The third Session of the 11th Synod of the Diocese of Abuja presided over by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba has tasked Christians with the need to maintain the bond of peace that exists between them and Jesus Christ by eagerly preserving the sacred union which should characterise the true Church, unify people of every tribe and culture across the nation.

The Synod, which was held recently at All Saints Anglican Church, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja with the theme: “The Bond of Peace: The Inner Structure of the Life of the Church,” explained that oneness in Christ should be exhibited through tolerance, equity, selflessness and fairness.

In a communiqué signed by the president of Synod, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba and Synod Secretary, Ven. Joshua Lambert, the Synod noted that love is “the perfect bond, which exhorts the faithful to preserve a concrete relationship of love in the bond of peace that binds them together; as well as, encourage teamwork to ensure proper nurturing, mentoring and discipleship, as well as mission and evangelism, which leads to growth and national unity.”

The Synod in reviewing the state of the nation urged all eligible Nigerians to take advantage of the new Electoral Act to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate actively in the forthcoming general elections. It also urged the security agencies, civil society and faith-based organisations including other stakeholders to provide the necessary oversight and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a smooth, free and fair electoral process, while commending President Muhammadu Buhari for signing the 2022 amended Electoral Act.

The Synod wants the Federal Government to address issues concerning education, security, economy and other matters of concern.

The communiqué reads in parts: “Synod notes with grave concern the stagnated and epileptic state of the education sector across all levels, especially in our universities and frowns at the multi-dimensional negative and ripple effects these have and will continue to impact on the teeming youths in the days ahead.

“Synod calls on governments, at all levels, to make education an utmost priority and explore conclusive consensus with all aggrieved academic unions, especially the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in order to permanently resolve the matter in a more pragmatic manner.

“Synod condemns the high level of incessant killings happening in the country as a result of the degenerating insecurity occasioned by banditry, kidnapping, herdsmen militia, IPOB agitations as well as incessant attacks on lives and property, which threatens the sovereignty of the nation.

“Synod condemns the alarming rate of corruption being unravelled in the nation where monies, enough to transform the nation’s security infrastructure such as education, health and power sectors have been mismanaged or carted away with impunity. Synod calls on the government to institute safeguarding mechanisms and structures in all public institutions to check avenues and tendencies that encourage corruption and bring all the culprits to book.

“Synod notes with concern the dwindling economic situation in the country, which has given rise to increasing in prices of commodities, crime rate, debt burden and other social vices. Synod, therefore, condemns the current trend of increased borrowing to fund the national budget and calls on government at all levels to review economic policies alongside current realities, and pursue the diversification of the economy, especially in the agricultural and solid mineral sectors in order to alleviate the hardship imposed on the citizenry.

“Synod makes a passionate appeal to the government, at all levels, to intensify efforts at creating employment opportunities through appropriate recruitment and self-empowerment schemes and the provision of grants for entrepreneurs.

The Synod called on the Federal Government to address fundamental issues necessary for growing a united and prosperous nation by initiating a new citizen-made national constitution that will replace the amended military-formulated constitution.

The Synod was attended by 345 delegates from the eight Archdeaconries and six Deaneries of the Diocese of Abuja, as well as the Dean, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev Dr. Ali Buba Lamido, former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, Archbishops and Bishops from various Dioceses of the Church of Nigeria and other distinguished Nigerians who came to felicitate with the Diocese of Abuja.