The Isiala Ngwa South Diocese Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) is worried that the country is gradually gravitating towards a one-party system. The Synod said this at its 1st Session of the Sixth Synod held at St. Mary’s (Ang.) Church, MbutuUkwu, Isiala Ngwa South local council of Abia State.
The body is also worried that Aso Rock Villa that is supposed to be lighted up with electricity is nowunder solar system and the system has gone so bad to the extent that Electricity Commission Centre has begun to operate with generators.
It also lamented government paying ransom to rescue its senior military officers captured by terrorists and bandits, saying that Nigerians are now faced with the threat of poverty and extreme religious favouritism.
According to the Synod: “Terrorists are called hunters. Fulani will leave Yobe and Kano to be hunters in River State with Ak-47. Herdsmen move about with guns, if this happens to another tribe the culprits would be termed criminals.
“As Nigeria approaches 2027 general election, the integrity and functionality of its democratic institutions face serious challenges. Despite constitutional democracy since 1999, systemic electoral fraud, political violence, corruption, weak institutions, and voter apathy continue to threaten the legitimacy of the electoral process.”
The group said without meaningful reforms, the nation would risk further political instability, erosion of public trust, and potential democratic backsliding. It called on government to reform INEC and adopttechnology, electoral logistics, civic and voter education, inclusion of marginalised groups, and Diaspora voting, among others.
The body under the leadership of Archbishop of Aba Province and Bishop of Isiala Ngwa South Diocese, Most Reverend Isaac Nwaobia, reminded the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, that Nigeria is blessed with human talents, natural resources, and divine favour, yet many of her sons and daughters are languishing under hardship, injustice and despair.
He said: Leadership is a sacred calling. The mantle you wear is not merely political; it is deeply spiritual. Good governance is not measured by political victories or international diplomacy alone, but by the welfare of the poor, the protection of the vulnerable and the preservation of truth.”
He reminded the president that many Nigerians feel abandoned and caught in the widening gap between promise and performance, saying nepotism, corruption, and disregard for public accountability must not find comfort at the seat of power.
“The government must reflect justice, fairness, humility and anything less becomes tyranny under a different name. I urge your government to uphold judicial independence and ensure that judges are shielded from political influence.”
A nation cannot thrive where justice is for sale,” he said. On the economy, which he described as the lifeline of a nation, Archbishop Nwaobia said the current state whichis marked by inflation, unemployment, and rising cost of living is crushing the ordinary Nigerian. Arguing that reforms are necessary, Nwaobia said they must not be executed in ways that sacrifice the poor on the altar of policy.
The Synod commended the Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, for his developmental strides across the state, particularly the ambitious road construction projects under “Operation Zero Potholes.”
The Synod urged Ottito ensure that all parts of Abia State and all segments of the population, particularly the marginalised and vulnerable benefit from the development of the state, adding that his government should partner with the church as change agent to positively impact the society.
“We are bearing the budget of welfare, school, healthcare of many in the society. It will be strange for government to seek for partnership only during election and put their warp the other side with our challenges,” he said.
The Synod also condemned the menace of iron buyers and insecurity in Abia State, particularly in the AlaNgwa. Speaking on the theme: “Transformational Leadership: A Panacea For Total Development” taken from Philippians 4:8-9. The Synod explained that transformational leadership finds its theological grounding in the very nature of God, who is Himself, the epitome of transformative power. The creation account in Genesis depicts a chaotic void being brought into order and beauty through God’s creative word – a foundational act of transformative leadership.
