Our Reporter
The leadership of the Church of the Brethren, EYN, has vowed that it will never stop its call to government at all levels to put an end to the lingering security challenge facing the country stating that the denomination was afraid that the worsening economic situation could affect the security situation.
EYN President, Rev. Dr. Daniel Mbaya made this known in his inaugural address while taking over the mantle of leadership of the Church at its headquarters in Kwarhi in Hong LGA in Adamawa State recently.
Rev. Dr. Mbaya while calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to rescue the remaining 91 abducted Chibok School girls and all those in abduction and return them to their parents, equally tasked the Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, to do all he can to return the over 40,000 indigenes of the state currently in Minawao Camp in Cameroon back home.
On the state of the nation’s economy, the EYN President said, “The free fall of the Naira to the USD (United States Dollar) to be checked as this had threatened our economy.
“We are all aware that this is not the best of times for the citizens of our nation. The economic situation is harsh and challenging to most people. While we call on our members and all citizens to keep hope in Project Nigeria, we challenge our leaders to address some of the anti-masses policies with immediate effect.”
While calling on the government to appreciate Nigerians for their resilience and patience, the cleric advised them to urgently address the plight of the citizens.
Commend some State Governors for their initiative in reducing the pains of the citizenry by deploying some CNG vehicles to their states, he particularly commended Adamawa and Borno States and encouraged them to deploy more of the vehicles and take other measures to tackle the harsh economy.
Said he: “We reject the plans to hike electricity tariffs. We expect that some services provided by the government be subsidized amongst which are agricultural inputs, health systems and education to mention a few.
“Workers welfare is a priority as the minimum wage cannot buy enough fuel to fill a car tank no matter how small the car is.
“Sometimes when we think over these things, knowing how Nigerians in the diaspora are making impacts in their host countries, we ask ourselves, can we bring in our knowledge and wealth of experiences to salvage our nation?”
While advocating for peaceful coexistence among Nigerians, the cleric called for more patriotism from both the leaders and the led urging them to live together in tolerance acknowledging that Nigerians have no other country to run to.
On church-related matters, the new EYN President paid tribute to past leaders of the denomination for the “many wonderful achievements,” to which he assured that the new leadership would continue to build.
On his vision for the Church, the President said “No one knows how long we shall serve God in this capacity only God. However, on the day of the elections, the 19th day of April, 2024 precisely, this was the vision God gave us for the Church, “A United Living Church, Deeply Rooted in the Word of God, Spiritually, Numerically and Materially Prosperous.”
He, however, pledged that they would work towards amending some sections of the Church Constitution this according to him, would help address some of the issues that were capable of retarding growth and development and breeding hatred and mistrust.
“I pledge on behalf of the new leaders to continue in our ecumenical engagement as we as a Church believe in this one fact, “when you want to go fast, go alone, but when you want to go far, go together.” We want to go far as a Church, and as such we have to continue our partnership towards the Great Commission, towards our collective struggle for Justice and Equity for all regardless of our religious, political or tribal affiliations.
“I pledge to be fair to all and respect all of you where I remain transparent and accountable to God and to you all.
“Our administration shall be open to wise counsel and constructive criticisms for the growth of EYN. Our doors would be wide open for all EYN sons, daughters and all others and rest assured that we open our channels of communication wide and well. This and many more shall be our driving force if we remain united,” stressed.
The event had in attendance Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State and his Borno State counterpart, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum.
Other dignitaries in attendance were the Minister of Education, Prof. Mamman Tahir, TEKAN denomination leaders, past and serving members of the National and State Assemblies including Senator Amos Yohanna, Ishaku Abbo, Hon Adamu Kamale, Hon Zakariya Dauda Nyampa, Dr. Midala Usman Balami among other personalities.
Recalled that during the 77th General Church Council meeting, otherwise termed Majalisa 2024, elections were conducted at the end of which Rev. Dr. Daniel Mbaya emerged as the new EYN while Rev. Nuhu Abba was elected as the Vice President. Until his election, Rev. Dr Mbaya served as the General Secretary of EYN for 8 years until the just concluded GCC. He succeeded Rev Joel Billi whose tenure ended in 2024.