COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF THE 2ND SESSION OF THE 9TH SYNOD OF THE ANGLICAN DIOCESE OF IDEATO HELD AT ST. JOHN CHURCH OSINA, OSINA ARCHDEACONRY, IDEATO NORTH, FROM THURSDAY 2ND TO SUNDAY 5TH MAY 2024.

Preamble:

The 2nd Session of the 9th Synod of Ideato Diocese (Anglican Communion) was held at St. John’s Church Osina, Osina Archdeaconry Ideato North. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and presided over by the Rt. Revd Henry S. O. Okeke, the Diocesan and Bishop of the Diocese of Ideato.

In attendance were the Bishop’s wife, Mrs. Julie M. Okeke (Nneife), President of the Mothers Union, Women’s Guild and the Girls Guild, The Archbishop of the Owerri Ecclesiastical Province – The Most Revd Dr. David O. C. Onuoha, Bishops, over 100 clergy men and 150 members of the House of Laity.

Theme: 

Seek First The Kingdom and His Righteousness And All Other Things Shall Be Added Unto You.  (Matthew 6:33)

1.        The Synod commends the Diocesan and President of the Synod, The Rt. Revd Henry S. O. Okeke for the aptness of the theme as it compels all Christians not to loose sight of the Kingdom of God in their daily pursuit of livelihood, as the Kingdom of God is a sure foundation for Protection, Recovery and all–round Peace, noting that the Rulership of Christ on earth will bring normalcy to our troubled world.

The Synod appreciates the Bishop for his visionary oriented empowerment programs in the Diocese, which have produced visible results.

2.        The Synod appreciates the visionary leadership of our Primate of all Nigeria and Metropolitan – The Most Revd. Henry C. Ndukuba as well as his boldness in defending the Faith of the Church. He is commended for his courageous position against same – sex marriage and other policies and issues that concern our Faith/Church.

3.        The Synod appreciates the GAFCON Bishops for vehemently rejecting the blessing of same – sex marriage as approved by the Church of England – as this is an aberration, and contradiction to “Seeking First the Kingdom of God: And further commends them on the Election and Consecration of Eric Yassir as Bishop, who was a former muslim extremist, but got converted to Christianity.

4.        The Synod commends the Archbishop of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province – Most Revd. Dr. David C. O. Onuoha for his leadership prowess in piloting the affairs of the Province of Owerri, and the Christian Council of Nigerian (CCN) as the President.

It also appreciates the Archbishop for his ecumenical disposition in gathering Christians in Imo State through the Anglican Communion, for prayers for peace and stability under the Umbrella of “Imo Prays”.

5.        The Synod appreciates the Federal Government led by President Bola A. Tinubu for all efforts being made towards the protection of lives and property of Nigerians especially in overhauling of the security apparatus, including the plan to create State/Community policing. The federal government is further commended for the various policies aimed at improving the living condition of Nigerians, and  is urged to put more efforts in ameliorating the sufferings of Nigerians made worse by the sudden removal of the fuel subsidy, and proposed hiking of the electricity tariff among other polices.

6.        The government is urged to be thorough and impartial in her fight against corruption irrespective of who is affected. Independent bodies/agencies in Nigeria, eg. INEC and EFCC are to be given a free hand to operate according to the acts that established them, without interruptions. This we hope will save the Country from brain-drain as currently witness in the country presently.    

7.        The Synod congratulates the Imo State Governor Senator Hope Uzodimma and his Deputy, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru on their successful swearing–in ceremony and assumption of Office. The Synod appreciates the Governor for the appointment   of Dr. Sir Chika Abazu and Lady Nkechi Ugwu who are from Ideato, into his cabinate as Commissioners for Trades, Commerce & Industry and Women’s Affairs respectively, among other political appointees.

It further commends the government of Imo State on its giants strides in repositioning the State on a good pedestal, especially on the construction of good and accessible roads within the State despite the security challenges.  The Synod appeals to the State Government to further deliver on it’s  campaign promises to Imolites vis–a–vis payments of gratuity and pensions, increase in minimum wage, recruitment of more teachers, protection of lives and property, complete hand – over of Schools to missions, among others.

8.        The Synod passionately appeals to His Excellency,  Distinguished Sen. Hope Uzodinma to come to the rescue of Ideato in controlling the ugly erosion menace that is about to wipe out some Communities. Such erosion sites are: Orlu – Mgbe- Obioha Umuchima- Ogboko; (ii) Akpulu – Obodoukwu – Isiokpo among others.

9.        The Synod challenges all Christians to go back to massive agriculture as a way of ensuring food availability while Seeking God’s Kingdom. This will certainly    curb restiveness as well as create job opportunities for all and sundry.

10.      Finally, the Synod frowns and seriously condemns the campaign against the Church by biased and unscrupulous elements who blackmail “the Church as a scam” – a campaign she views as complete lack of history, understanding of the word of God, and the mission of the Church in Nigeria since the nineteeth century.

The Synod therefore calls on the Church to be at alert over this apostasy and resist it through teachings and intentional discipleship.

Conclusion:

The Synod acknowledges the hardship Nigerians find themselves into, and calls for patience. It appreciates God for relative peace being witnessed in Imo State, and prays that lasting peace will be restored. The Synod once again encourages all Christians not to faint but keep our hope in God who is all sufficient to meet our needs.

Ven. Eleazar M.C. Okereke (Jp)                                    Sir Barr. Paul Umensofor

Clerical Synod Secretary                                                  Diocesan Chancellor

                                    The Rt. Revd Henry S. O. Okeke

                        Bishop, Diocese of Ideato (Anglican Communion)

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