- Urges Tinubu to urgently end insecurity in Nigeria
By Obinna F. Nwachukwu with additional reports by Aiyke Mark-Njoku
The Anglican Bishop of Mbaise Diocese, Rt. Rev Chamberlain Chinedum Ogunedo, JP has called on politicians and the electorates to ensure that next year’s general elections are free, fair and credible and transparent.
He also decried the current level of insecurity in Nigeria advising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to quickly restore confidence in the citizenry by ending violence and all forms of criminality in the country.
Bishop Ogunedo made the statement recently while delivering the Presidential Address at the 1st Session, of the 12th Synod of the Diocese of Mbaise (Anglican Communion) held at St Barth’s Anglican Church Nguru Nweke community in Aboh Mbaise Local government area of Imo State attended by top politicians, senior government officials, captains of industries, the cleric and laity of the Diocese.
Speaking on the theme of the Synod: “The Loudest Hallelujah Without The Fear of God” (Amos 5:23–24), Ogunedo said there was the need for all stakeholders in the electoral process to ensure that the nation comes out stronger after the elections
His words, “The 2027 general elections are in top gear with smouldering smoke of prevailing dangers with deadly coughs of desperation and uncertainty of who would even live to witness the year! Our hope rests in God and his divine ordinance and providence.
“As co-labourers with God, we must fight the good fight of faith, shun manipulation or being manipulated, desist from vote buying and vote sharing, stand right behind trusted and purposeful candidates and ensure at every level, that our votes count.
“Let us avoid actions that would mar free and fair elections and pursue after righteousness that would exalt our country into the glorious land of God”, the bishop said
On the insecurity in Nigeria, Ogunedo expressed concern over the current wave of violence and killings in many parts of the country and called on the government to do something urgently to stop the carnage. “I call on the government at all levels to redouble their efforts in tackling insecurity, be it terrorism, banditry, farmer-herder conflict, kidnapping and all forms of violent crimes so as to promote food security and socio-economic prosperity across the nation.
“How can we rejoice in the midst of aggressive hunger, hardship, increasing inflation, youths unemployment, collapsed health sector, fragmented educational system, poor infrastructural development and insensitivity of government to the needs of the masses?
“Where is the hope of the common man whose lives and future are horridly bargained with unfulfilled promises and insatiably fed with malnourished food and stench wine that drive men into stupor and forgetfulness?
“A nation that trifles away the wealth of her people on the altars of greed, selfishness, promotion of crime and criminality, manipulating and promoting discord among oppositions and strangulating free and fair electoral process, and above all, lacking in the merit of protecting the lives and property of the citizens and according purpose-driven direction where good conscience and patriotism lead the course of governance in a graveyard
“We need a land that strives for progress. A government that measures positive actions with an electoral promise and delivers more restorative, consolidative and proactive dividends towards touching lives and turning around situations.
“There is need for a change that refocuses on the cardinal goals of our forebears, our nationalists who earned our independence and led us on the shores of genuine cohesion and integration that informs our unified diversity and strength, cultural affinity and bond of nationality”, bishop Ogunedo stated
Meanwhile, the First Session of the Twelfth Synod of the Diocese of Mbaise came to a glorious and memorable conclusion on Sunday, May 31, 2026, as clergy, laity, dignitaries, and faithful from across the Diocese gathered at St. Bartholomew’s Anglican Church, Nguru-Nweke, to celebrate the grand finale of the Synod.
The day’s activities commenced with the customary Holy Communion Service celebrated by the bishop Ogunedo assisted by the Archdeacons of the Diocese. The Synod Guest Bishop, Facilitator, and Preacher, the Rt. Rev. Godfrey Ekpenisi, Bishop of Ika Anglican Diocese, Delta State, mounted the pulpit to deliver the charge of the Synod. Drawing from the theme, “The Loudest Hallelujah Without The Fear of God,” Bishop Ekpenisi admonished Synod delegates not to be hearers of God’s word only, but doers also.
He urged all who had participated in the Synod to return to their various parishes, institutions, and communities as ambassadors of the message they had received. According to him, the true test of the Synod would not merely be attendance or participation but the practical demonstration of lives transformed by the fear of God. He urged Christians to become true worshippers whose hallelujahs are accompanied by righteous living, genuine obedience, and reverence for God.
Immediately following the Holy Eucharist, the thirty-eight parishes of the Diocese took turns to present their thanksgiving offerings before God. One after another, parish delegates joyfully processed to the altar amidst songs of praise, thanksgiving, and celebration, expressing gratitude to God for His faithfulness throughout another Synod year.
The Holy Communion and parish thanksgiving procession culminated in the grand finale service of the Synod; the Synod Thanksgiving and Project Launch Service; which attracted an impressive gathering of bishops, clergy, traditional rulers, political leaders, captains of industry, and faithful from various walks of life. Ven. Chibueze Ahaneku was the service, Cantor.
Among the distinguished guests present were the Archbishop of Aba Ecclesiastical Province, His Grace, the Most Rev. Nwaobia, alongside other bishops and church leaders who joined the Diocese in celebrating the successful conclusion of the Synod.
Delivering his final sermon during the Thanksgiving and project launch service, Bishop Ekpenisi emphasized that giving is itself an act of worship. He reminded the congregation that one of the practical ways believers demonstrate gratitude to God is through sacrificial giving towards the work of the Church and the welfare of humanity.
The preacher therefore passionately appealed for support towards the proposed Diocese of Mbaise College of Nursing Sciences Project, encouraging individuals, families, organizations, and benefactors to sponsor various units of the institution. He described participation in the project as a worthy investment in the future of the Church, society, and generations yet unborn.
The service witnessed the presence of several eminent personalities, including His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, former Governor of Imo State; Ezinwa Sir Stanley Amuchie, Executive Director of Fidelity Bank; Hon. Barr. Sir Iheukwumere Alaribe, Executive Chairman of Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area; Chief Dr. Matthew Amadi (Gburugburu); Hon. Princewill Amuchie, Member representing Aboh Mbaise in the Imo State House of Assembly; Surv. Joe Anosike, President of Ezuruezu Mbaise; members of the Owerri Provincial Council of Knights; the Diocesan Legal Unit led by the Lord Chancellor, Sir Barr. Ernest Nwagwu and Registrar, I, Barr. Kester Enwenonu; as well as numerous political office aspirants, business leaders, professionals, and friends of the Diocese.
Many of the dignitaries and faithful present took turns to support the Diocese through generous donations towards the proposed College of Nursing Sciences Project and other developmental initiatives of the Diocese.
A major highlight of the day was the ceremonial return and transfer of the Synod Torch by the Diocese of Mbaise Bishop’s Fellowship. Thereafter, the Canada Branch of the Fellowship, represented by Ven. Christian Ukabiala, received the Synod Torch as it assumed responsibility for the next phase of the Fellowship’s support initiative. The symbolic exchange was witnessed by the Synod and accompanied by prayers and blessings offered by the Emeritus Bishop of Mbaise Diocese, the Rt. Rev. Bright Joseph Egemasi Ogu, who commended the Fellowship for its dedication and generosity.
In his closing remarks, the Diocesan Bishop, Ogunedo, expressed profound gratitude to God for His grace and faithfulness throughout the Synod. He thanked the Guest Bishop, visiting prelates, clergy, laity, donors, guests, and all who contributed in one way or another to the success of the Synod.
The Bishop particularly appreciated those who honoured God not only with their presence but also with their generous support towards the developmental aspirations of the Diocese.
He urged all Synod delegates to carry the lessons and message of the Synod into their daily lives and ministries, ensuring that their worship remains rooted in genuine fear of God and practical obedience to His word.
Thus ended a successful and impactful Synod, leaving delegates spiritually refreshed, challenged to deeper Christian commitment, and united behind the vision of a greater and more impactful Diocese of Mbaise.