Prelate and Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, His Eminence Nzie Nsi Eke, has urged the federal government to urgently implement measures that would avert hunger and starvation currently staring Nigerians in the face.
The Prelate who addressed a press conference yesterday to commemorate the 175th anniversary of the Presbyterian Church in Nigeria expressed concern over the precarious state of affairs in the country, saying that the level of banditry, kidnappings and herdsmen attacks, robbery, cult violence and the likes were driving Nigeria steadily close to precipice.
He said the church was declaring a 30-day of special prayers from Sunday August 15 for the release of those who were in captivity across the country.
Eke said the church was worried about the pervading hunger and starvation arising from the combined impact of COVID-19 pandemic, insecurity and weak currency which were staring Nigerians in the face.
“The way food prices have skyrocketed, an emergency programme should be declared to increase food supply in the country because a lot of people are finding it very difficult to feed,” he said.
Eke also lamented the situation where Nigerians no longer sleep with their two eyes closed due to insecurity and kidnapping, adding that government should do more to ensure security.
In addition, the Prelate said that federal government should do something urgently to arrest the spate of unrest caused by activities of separatist groups.
According to Eke, the government should adopt constructive engagement with all the agitators to allow superior argument to prevail.
“We suggest a constructive engagement of all agitators. Without equity, justice, inclusiveness and fair play, unity is difficult. We must not pretend to be united country, we must truly united or agree to go our separate ways to avoid an implosion,” he said.
Eke further expressed support for electronic transmission of election results saying that it would go a long way to mitigate electoral malpractices.
“We are living witnesses to what happened in the last Edo elections. It gave us hope for the possibility of freer and fairer elections in Nigeria.
“We believe it is not too late for the National Assembly to amend their decisions on this otherwise, the President should not sign the new Electoral Bill until the e-transmission included,” he said.
On youth unemployment, he said government at all levels, religious organisations and the entire society must work together to create an enabling environment for the youths to be innovative and excel.
Speaking on the journey so far for the Presbyterian church, Eke said the church had existed long before Nigeria came into being as a nation and had played a lot of significant positive roles for the emergence of the nation and still playing.
The Presbyterian Church of Nigeria clocked 175 years this year, having been established in Calabar on April 10, 1846. This celebration involves a series of activities that will hold in all regional Synods.
