By Danjuma Auta
In view of the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria, the ECWA President, Rev. (Dr) Stephen Baba Panya, has called on citizens to rise up and defend themselves whenever they are attacked.
A communique signed by the ECWA President and the General Secretary, Rev.(Dr) Yunusa Sabo Nmadu, at the end of the 69th General Church Council meeting held at the ECWA Headquarters in Jos, called on government to intensify efforts towards salvaging Nigeria.
The council expressed dismay at the rising wave of corruption and the near total collapse of the economy which has left Nigerians struggling for survival.
On the attack on the Kaduna bound train, t council condemned the attack on the Kaduna-bound train, killing and abduction of an unascertained number of passengers by the terrorists as well the invasion of the Kaduna International Airport, the constant killings and abductions of citizens in Kaduna, Kebbi, Zanfara, Plateau, Niger and other states of the country and called on government to arrest the situation.
ECWA further decried the failure of government to carry out its constitutional responsibility of securing the lives and properties of its citizens despite the huge amount being spent on security and called on all tiers of government to do all they can to secure the release of innocent citizens still being held by terrorists and bandits across Nigeria.
According to the council, “it is very worrisome that Nigeria today has continue to witness the increasing activities of radical Islamic terrorist groups which include, Fulani Jihadist militia, Boko-Haram, ISWAP and bandits terrorizing the country under the watch of this government, and government is not doing enough to stop it, It’s really unfortunate.’’
The church called on the Federal Government and striking labour unions, especially ASUU and NASU, to put the interest of the nation first and resolve the industrial crisis as soon as possible because education plays a positive role in shaping the lives of individuals and the nation at large.
ECWA expressed concern over the biting hunger among Nigerians due to the shortage of food supply as a result of insecurity which has paralyzed the activities of farmers.
The Communique expressed worry over the deplorable condition of infrastructure in the country as well as frequent occupation of ancestral lands and called on government to ensure that IDPs return to their homes and given farming tools to enable them continue their occupation.
It noted with concern the increasing rate of unemployment and called on members of the church to shun political apathy and actively join political parties of their choice to help in building the country.
The ECWA President, Rev. Baba, disclosed that, the theme for the year 2022, which is,” Look, He is coming with the clouds” is aimed at reminding ECWA members and other believers that the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ is near and therefore the need for Christians to be vigilant for the second coming.
He urged members to be actively involved in mission to accomplish the Great Commission.
The council meeting was attended by the 91 district church leaders in Nigeria and representatives from Chad, USA and other African countries while awards were presented to some ECWA sons and daughters who distinguished themselves in making sacrificial contributions to the growth of the church. The conference lasted four days.