…Decries insecurity, hunger, poverty in Nigeria
…Gowon, Jonathan urge Christians to remain committed
By Francis Ekeh, Teddy Nwanunobi and Hosea Parah
The Primate of Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and Bishop of Abuja His Grace, Most Rev. Dr Henry Ndukauba, has advised former President, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, to forget his alleged ambition to contest the upcoming 2027 presidential election, but focus attention on building the nation as a statesman.
Ndukauba spoke on Saturday in Abuja against the rumoured intention of the former President to contest the election scheduled to hold in February 2027.
Jonathan’s eligibility status is already a subject of litigation before an Abuja Federal High court.
Last week, the Interim National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Tanimu Turaki, had stated that Jonathan registered with his faction of the PDP, and was qualified to contest.
Speaking at the First Session of the 13th Synod of the Diocese of Abuja, Anglican Communion held at St James Anglican Church, Asokoro, Ndukauba praised Jonathan for his patriotism, integrity, and love for the country during and after he left office as Nigerian President, and urged him not to do anything that would dent his national and international image.
”Your Excellency, Dr Goodluck Jonathan. I am happy that they took you to court. I am happy that the court said what it said. And we don’t want you to spoil that good name. And please, if I see you in private, I will still say this: Please keep off politics, for now.
Let them just play it. Be the senior citizen that you should be.
”And please, we thank God for your life. Not only for Nigeria, for the West African region, ECOWAS, and for Africa, you are a symbol that should stand. Let nobody touch you. It is possible for us to lead with integrity. It is possible for us to pass on a worthy legacy to those coming outside.
God bless you,” Ndukauba stated.
The Primate raised the alarm over worsening insecurity, poverty, unemployment, and rising drug abuse in the country, warning that Nigeria is facing deepening social and economic crises, and urged Nigerians not to lose hope, despite the mounting national challenges.
The synod, themed ‘The priesthood of all believers: Equipping God’s people for the work of ministry,’ drew clergymen, church leaders, delegates and government officials from across the diocese.
Addressing the gathering, the Anglican Primate urged Nigerians to remain steadfast in faith and perseverance, despite the overwhelming problems.
“The situation in Nigeria seems to defy a solution, but we shall not give up. God says, ‘Fear not, for I am with you.’ God will deliver and preserve us from all the evil of our time,” he stated.
Ndukauba commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for managing the economy amid difficult global conditions and challenges inherited from the administration of former President, late Muhammadu Buhari.
According to him, some macroeconomic indicators were beginning to improve, citing a decline in inflation from 27.6 per cent in April 2025 to 15.15 per cent in December 2025, before a slight rise to 15.38 per cent in March 2026.
While describing the figures as encouraging, he stressed that the ordinary Nigerians were yet to experience meaningful relief from economic hardship.
“We consider this a good performance. However, inflation at 15 per cent is still too high. The citizens are suffering, and we hope for meaningful economic relief,” he said.
The cleric also expressed concern over rising youth unemployment, calling on the Federal Government to prioritise industrialization, revive agriculture and support local industries to create jobs and reduce hardship across the country.
On Nigeria’s growing debt burden, which he estimated at over N159 trillion, Ndukauba warned against excessive borrowing and criticized the continued pre-selling of the nation’s crude oil.
“Even when global oil prices rise, Nigeria is not benefiting because much of the crude had already been sold years ahead,” he noted.
He further criticised the reported transfer of national refineries to Chinese interests, urging the government to instead empower competent Nigerian investors that will be capable of reinvesting profits within the country.
Speaking on insecurity, the Anglican leader condemned the persistent killings and attacks in states, including: Adamawa, Plateau, Kaduna, Benue and Kwara, describing the violence as genocide against innocent citizens, particularly Christians.
“The weaponisation of religious and tribal identities is central to the insecurity in Nigeria. Nigeria is bleeding, and the lives of citizens are being wasted,” he declared.
Ndukauba called on the Federal Government to intensify military operations against insurgents, and ensure that sponsors and perpetrators of violent attacks are arrested and prosecuted.
The Primate also warned about the growing threat of drug trafficking and substance abuse among Nigerian youths, saying the country risks facing gang-related violence similar to what is experienced in parts of South America, if urgent measures are not taken.
“Nigeria has moved from being a transit country to a major drug country. If we fail to act now, we are sitting on a more dangerous problem than insurgency,” he warned.
Commenting on the nation’s political climate, Ndukauba criticized politicians for focusing on the 2027 general elections, instead of governance and national development.
“It is unfortunate that many leaders serve their personal interests, rather than the people. Political defections and toxic political manoeuvres show that little attention is being paid to governance and development,” he said.
He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain impartial, and ensure free, fair and credible elections in 2027, while encouraging Christians to actively participate in politics and leadership.
On the theme of the synod, Ndukauba emphasized the need for all believers to participate actively in ministry and evangelism, stressing that the Church must respond effectively to the spiritual and social realities confronting society.
“The whole people of God must rise for the whole task of God to the whole world,” he said.
In his goodwill message, Jonathan raised concerns over the increasing moral decadence and violent behaviour among youths in Nigeria, urging religious leaders and citizens to unite in rebuilding societal values.
According to the former President, society has witnessed a major shift from the values that once promoted compassion, discipline, and communal responsibility.
He recalled that during his student days, the death of a student would leave an entire university community devastated, unlike today where acts of violence among young people have become more frequent.
He attributed part of the problem to the unchecked influence of social media and information technology, noting that many children and youths are increasingly exposed to harmful and negative content online.
Jonathan warned that the trend is gradually shaping the attitudes and behaviour of young people, many of whom now imitate violence and immoral conduct they see on digital platforms.
The former President commended churches and religious leaders for their continued prayers and efforts toward nation-building, stressing that faith-based institutions now play a critical role in preserving morality and guiding the younger generation.
“I believe with the prayers of men and women of God, Nigeria will not be abandoned,” Jonathan stated, expressing hope that the country would overcome its current social and economic challenges through unity, discipline, and commitment from all sectors of society.
Drawing lessons from international development, Jonathan referenced the transformation of Singapore from a developing nation into one of the world’s leading economies. He noted that the progress achieved by Singapore took decades of visionary leadership, industrial development, and national dedication.
He emphasised that Nigeria could also attain lasting development if political leaders, religious institutions, and citizens work collectively toward peace and stability
Also speaking, a former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, called on Christians and members of the Anglican Communion to remain committed to supporting the growth and mission of the church within the Diocese of Abuja.
The elder statesman described the Synod as an important gathering that brings together the church, the diocese, and believers in worship, prayer, and the pursuit of God’s direction for the advancement of the church.
According to him, the Synod provides an opportunity for Christians to strengthen their faith, and deepen their commitment to the development of the church and the promotion of God’s work across the Diocese of Abuja.
Gowon urged members and supporters of the church to contribute generously towards the ongoing church programmes and projects, and emphasised the need for collective responsibility in sustaining the mission of the church.
“I wish the Synod Committee and St. James Church every success and God’s blessings. You have done very well in ensuring that this programme has gone successfully,” Gowon said.