- Demands good governance, accountability
The Methodist Church Nigeria has raised the alarm over the worsening situation in the country, expressing concern over insecurity, economic hardship, corruption, unemployment and declining living standards.
The church said it could no longer remain silent in the face of the challenges confronting Nigerians, insisting that religious institutions have a responsibility to speak up for the people and demand better governance.
The Prelate of Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence, Dr Oliver Ali Aba, stated this on Monday at a press briefing held at the Methodist Church Nigeria, Cathedral of Light, Agodi Gate, Ibadan, after the conclusion of the church’s 50th/15th Biennial Conference.
The conference, held in the Archdiocese of Ibadan from August 2 to 9, had as its theme, “I Will Fight for You,” drawn from Exodus 14:14.
Speaking on the state of the nation, Aba said the church would continue to draw attention to issues affecting citizens, regardless of whether its interventions are welcomed by those in power.
“We cannot keep quiet,” the Prelate said, stressing that the church must continue to serve as the conscience of society and speak for those who may not have the platform to make their voices heard.
He noted that political leaders often approach religious leaders for prayers and support when seeking political office and should equally be prepared to listen when religious institutions raise concerns about governance and the welfare of citizens.
According to him, Nigerians are not asking for special privileges from the government but expect their basic rights, particularly the protection of lives and property and the provision of democratic dividends, to be guaranteed.
The church also expressed support for the creation of state police, arguing that a decentralised policing structure could strengthen grassroots intelligence gathering and improve the ability of security agencies to respond promptly to threats.
The position comes amid continuing concerns over insecurity across the country and renewed calls for reforms to Nigeria’s policing architecture.
The Methodist Church commended recent security operations that led to the rescue of abducted pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, as well as other successful rescue efforts across the country.
However, the church maintained that more needed to be done to address the underlying security challenges and ensure that Nigerians could live and conduct their businesses without fear.
It also called for stronger collaboration between government and religious institutions in tackling the social and economic challenges facing the country.
Aba also spoke on the challenge of attracting young people to the church, arguing that the solution went beyond modernising church programmes or adopting contemporary approaches.
He said the conduct and integrity of church leaders remained critical to restoring confidence in the institution, particularly among younger Nigerians.
The Prelate urged Methodist leaders to demonstrate the values they preach, stressing that young people would be more inclined to identify with the church when they see its leaders living exemplary lives.
The church’s communiqué also addressed several other national and international issues. It called for improvements in Nigeria’s healthcare system and condemned violence against vulnerable people.
The Methodist Church further urged political actors to support peaceful, free and credible elections, stressing the importance of strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring that citizens’ votes count.
It also condemned xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
The church expressed appreciation to the Oyo State Government, residents of the state and security agencies for their support during the biennial conference.
At the end of the conference, the Methodist Church urged Nigerians not to surrender to fear, division or hopelessness but to remain committed to faith, patriotism, righteousness and peaceful coexistence.
The church declared: “The Lord shall fight for our beloved nation, Nigeria, and we shall hold our peace”.