…Says No Progress In Atmosphere Of Discord
President Muhammadu Buhari has been cautioned on his style of administration of the country as no meaningful development can be achieved in an atmosphere of discord.
The Most Revd (Dr) Sunday I.O Agwu, the Methodist Archbishop of Port Harcourt, stated this in a chat with newsmen in Port Harcourt during the thanksgiving service in honour of Governor Nyesom Wike and his deputy, Dr. Ipalibo Harry-Banigo electoral victory at the 2019 general election.
“I appeal that God should lead President Buhari to do better than he did in his first tenure, people are suffering and dying” he stated.
On the Ruga controversy, the man of God said he is at a loss why the federal government should even talk about the issue, adding that the people are making a mountain out of mould hills.
He stated further that the Fulanis herdsmen have been around before now taking care of their cows and doing their business uninterrupted and wondered why the unnecessary crisis.
The clergyman thanked God that not a few stakeholders even APC governors have rejected the controversial Ruga settlement and that to avoid unnecessary tension in the land, the FG should lay the matter to rest permanently.
On those supporting the Northern Youths who incidentally are issuing ultimatum to the federal government to lift the suspension order on the Ruga settlement and to go ahead to implement it to the fullest, Rev. Agwu described them as International Year of the Child (IYC).
He made it clear that those fanning the ambers of war did not witness the last Nigria/Biafra Civil War with its attendant destruction of lives and property.
“Those pushing on the ultimatum should beware of the consequences of their action” he declared.
On the clamour for the restructuring of the country, the man of God said it depends on how the FG want to go about it but that the times and season favours the subject matter.
Asked for him to choose from the restructuring options postulated by the council of Bishops of Nigeria recently, whether to go back to the former regional arrangement; giving more powers to the federating states or the people peacefully going their separate ways, the Methodist Archbishop said: “Nobody is talking about separation but to give some level of independence to the states to control their economy and contribute to the federal; adding it is better for us to remain one united entity”.
The man of God however disagreed with those who support the idea that Nigeria’s unity is not negotiable, stressing that as the marriage advances, if there is any area that needs amendment to suit us all, there is nothing wrong retouching such area in the peoples mutual interests.
On what the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) is doing in the face of this unprovoked attacks as well as the draconic policies and programmes of the federal government, Most Revd Agwu said “we are depending on prayers to God to fight for us as there is nothing He cannot do”.
He however admitted that the body of Christian leaders has problems of uniting together to forge a common front against the challenges.
On the Rivers State Chapter of CAN, he commended the State Chairman, Special Apostle Stanley Dimkpa on his concerted efforts to strengthen the body since he took over power six months ago.
He however regretted that a lot of Christian leaders have forsaken the body due to the leadership crisis that was provoked by the elongation ambition of the former CAN chairman, Senior Apostle Anyasidike despite his discouragement by his parent body – Organization of African Instituted Churches (OAIC).
