The Anglican Bishop of Nike Diocese in Enugu State, Rt. Rev. Christian Onyia, has urged the Federal and State Governments to rise above mere statements to killings, hunger and other insecurities across the country.
Onyia said this on Tuesday in Enugu while speaking on the importance of the Holy Week ahead of Easter celebration marking the end of Lent.
The bishop noted that hunger and poverty now defined the daily reality of over 150 million Nigerians.
He also said that the country’s youths face mental health crises, drug addiction, joblessness and spiritual confusion as many are going back to ancestral idol worship.
“The nation mourns the recent mass killings and destruction of villages in Plateau State.
“We condemn in the strongest terms the repeated kidnappings, ritual killings and senseless violence against innocent citizens.
“The government must rise above mere statements. Justice must be served. Impunity must end. The blood of the innocent cries out,” he said.
The bishop noted that in spite of these horrifying realities, God’s Mercy still speaks, adding that God’s Mercy endures forever.
“God is calling leaders, families, churches, and individuals back to Himself. Mercy does not overlook sin; it invites us to transformation. Mercy gives room for Nigerians to change.
“I call on our leaders, from the presidency to the grassroots, to reject corruption, embrace justice and govern with the fear of God. Leadership without integrity invites judgment.
“Citizens too must reject violence, greed, immorality, and deceit. We must return to the altar of prayer, repentance and truth,” he noted. (NAN)
