Insecurity: Nigerians urged to support government’s efforts

Nigerians have been urged to do less of blaming the Federal Government over the issue of insecurity in the country but rather strive to join forces with it in tackling the challenges, especially the Boko Haram insurgency.
This advice was given in Abuja by the Primate of the Church Of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, the Most Reverend Nicholas Okoh on Friday while delivering the Presidential Address (Bishop Charge) at the Ninth Synod of the church held at the Basilica of Grace, Gudu.
Addressing delegates and other guests, which included representative of President Goodluck Jonathan, the Minister for Power, Chinedu Nebo, on the theme “Times of Stress,” he lamented the activities of Boko Haram, which he described as the most incomprehensible.
He noted that with the northern region almost reduced to a shadow of its old self due to the grounding of commercial activities, education, social and religious programmes, Nigeria is left with only two options.
‘There are only two options open to all, including the sponsors or those who think that Boko Haram activities indirectly promote their wishes and desires. One, Nigerians should rise up, cooperate and stop Boko Haram or two, Boko Haram will destroy the country- Christians, Muslims and unbelievers are at risk.’’
On the ongoing National Conference, the Primate who expressed happiness that the conference took off beautifully reminded the delegates of the heavy burden they carry and the expectations of many Nigerians from the exercise.
Describing the conference as a great opportunity for Nigerians to speak frankly to one another about the past, present and the future, Primate Okoh challenged the delegates to courageously discuss the knotty issues of recurrent religious riots and loss of lives and property.
On politics, particularly the 2014 and 2015 elections, he appealed to politicians to save the Nigerian state from anarchy and disintegration, charging them to see politics in 2014 and 2015 as a project to ensure the survival of the Nigerian state without which there will be no platform for political activities.
The clergy condemned in strong terms the growing rate of criminal activities such as the springing up of baby factories where human beings, especially children are readily available for sale, calling on the three tiers of government to stop all these activities which he described as unmitigated evil, the aftermath of which would be the wrath of God.
He also frowned at the rate of unemployment in the country, blaming it for the upsurge in criminal activities.
He expressed reservations over the clashes between herdsmen and farmers in some parts of the country, saying the only solution to this is to encourage and allow each other to seek their means of livelihood unhindered without having to trample on the interests of the other.
Primate Okoh commended the Federal Government over the decision to pursue the construction of the second Niger Bridge with a firm resolve as well as the improvement of the quality of roads and the prohibition of homosexual/lesbianism lifestyle even in the face of pressure from some foreign countries.