Anglican Primate, Okoh Thumbs Down Buhari’s Govt On Nation’s Economy

The Primate, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, His Grace, Nicholas Okoh has thumbed down the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government over its failure to diversify the economy as promised during the 2015 electioneering campaigns.

He spoke at the opening of the Standing Committee meeting of the church held in Asaba, Delta State.

“We wish to further remind this administration that one of the promises made before the 2015 General Elections was the diversification of the nation’s economy, so that we would no longer depend on fossil oil as the main source of revenue.

“The time is far spent now without visible steps in that direction. We must realise that all over the world, concerted effort is being made to find lasting alternative to dependence on fossil oil. Therefore, the earlier we rise and move with the times, the better,” Okoh said.

Okoh, also attributed the festering insecurity in the country to unwholesome activities of some few persons among the privileged political class.

According to him, few privileged persons within the political class have taken advantage of the unfortunate security situation to defraud international bodies in the name of non-governmental organizations.

Speaking further during the meeting which had its theme: “Fight the Good Fight of Faith”, Okoh said, “While the masses are suffering for no just cause, some privileged few have turned the regrettable situation into business, defrauding international organizations in the name of NGOs; while some others divert public funds and materials meant for IDPs.

“As we commend the Federal Government for the efforts made in the fight against insecurity in the land, we urge that the fight should be directed towards the sponsors of this heinous crime against humanity, no matter who they are. In that way, we may begin to see some permanent positive results.”

Okoh also called for synergy among security agencies, even as he advocated that pragmatic steps should be taken to eradicate suspicion among the agencies for the good of the nation, adding that “posterity will not forgive us if we forget Leah Sharibu, the Chibok girls and many others in the captivity of Boko Haram, bandits and others.”

He regretted that most Nigerian youths were being humiliated and even killed in foreign countries that are less endowed than Nigeria because of unfavourable economy back home.

He said there is urgent need to grow the economy for the nation’s good internally, as well as for the country’s image among the comity of nations.

The Anglican Primate also renewed the call on government to fix the power sector, saying that past administrations have fed Nigerians with excuses which have become unacceptable.

Okoh added that if Nigeria can guarantee reliable, affordable and constant power supply, it will place the country on the path of fast economic growth.

Meanwhile, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba has emerged Primate-elect of the Anglican Communion. 

Ndukuba will assume office in March 2020 at the expiration of the tenure of the incumbent Primate, Okoh.

Ndukuba, before his latest elevation, was the Bishop of Gombe Pankshin Diocese and Archbishop of Ecclesiastical Province of Jos.

He is also the Chairman of the Liturgy and Spirituality Committee of the Church of Nigeria. 

The Primate-elect was born in September 1959, and ordained a Priest also in September, 1989.

He was consecrated a Bishop in September, 1999; presented as Archbishop in September, 2017, just as his latest election as Primate came in September, 2019.