The Church of Nigeria
(Anglican Communion)
Ecclesiastical Province of Kwara State has urged the Federal Governments to rehabilitate and support all victims of terrorism and insurgency across the country.
The Archbishop Israel Amoo of the Ecclesiastical Province of Kwara State, made this call in his message to the provincial council’s meeting of the bishops held at the weekend in Ilorin.
According to him, the concept of IDP camps where these helpless Nigerians are abandoned and forced to relocate back to their villages and towns without adequate provisions is not good enough and sins against God.
“The present harsh economic reality in Nigeria today are having a deep toll on the society and fueling, crimes, poverty, drug, abuse, cultism, kidnapping, poor performance in our schools, inequality, terrorism and corruption.
“No wonder, Nigerians in their millions had to protest against Bad Government recently. There is no doubt that when one is hungry, he is equally angry.
“The situation in our nation is taking a proportion that is difficult to contain. Insecurity in Nigeria has become a great concern to all well meaning citizens and the foreigners.
“While we are grateful for the great sacrifice of our security agencies/operatives in fighting terrorism, kidnapping and insurgency at all level, one wonder whether there are something we are not getting right.
“There are an on-going programme to rehabilitate, re-radicalize and integrate the so called repentant terrorists. The ‘project’ is more of effort to recycled and encourage terrorists.
“This is another means of offering concessions to terrorists. Despite these de-radicalize and rehabilitate, terrorism and insurgency have been on increase. Any efforts to rehabilitate terrorists and insurgents require proper planning and careful execution.”
The archbishop added that While the Economics downturn prevails, there will be few social disturbances such as what we are witnessing when citizens forcefully emptied government’s ware houses.
“There will also be general disorder, deep poverty and moral decadence. In the midst of these, rather than fashion out the best and sustainable ways out of the quagmire; some of our political leaders are living luxurious lifestyle encouraging the poor to continue making sacrifices.
“However, the purchase of luxurious cars by the National Assembly Members at a time like this is totally unacceptable and uncalled for when majority of our youths are jobless and frustrated. These vehicles bought by the National Assembly Members will be maintained and fueled by the Government of Nigeria.,” he added.
The archbishop While appreciating the move by the Federal Government led by President Bola Tinubu in encouraging the citizens to embrace agriculture and foreigners to invest in Nigeria, but warned that without curtailing the scourge of insecurity, there may be no meaningful progress and response.
The cleric congratulated all the Anglican Communion in Kwara state for the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the birth of Kwara Diocese, and urged them not to be weary in well doing.
Amoo stressed the need for cooperation among all the Church workers, saying “As it is often said, ‘You can go fast if you go alone but you will go farther if you go together.’ We will go fast and go farther together in Jesus Christ’s name – Amen.
