By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar
The Bishop of the Anglican Communion, Calabar Diocese, Rt. Rev. Prof. Nneoyi Egbe, has lamented that many Nigerians have become trapped in the “tragedy of normalising evil and dishonesty,” saying citizens are often more upset about being excluded from corruption than the corruption itself.
Speaking at the 3rd Session of the 12th Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Calabar, which ended at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Calabar, Bishop Egbe accused the nation’s leaders of insulating themselves from the suffering of ordinary Nigerians instead of addressing the country’s challenges.
The three-day synod, themed “Not Offended in Me” (Matthew 11:6), attracted clergy, traditional rulers, government officials and other guests.
He cited the Presidency’s reliance on solar power while millions of Nigerians remain affected by the country’s unreliable electricity supply, saying leaders had chosen comfort over meaningful national transformation.
Describing Nigeria as a “two-tier nation,” the bishop said one class enjoys private security, stable electricity and modern infrastructure, while the vast majority grapples with insecurity, poor roads, inadequate healthcare and economic hardship.
In a communique signed by Bishop Egbe, the Synod rejected what it described as attempts to Islamise Nigeria and opposed the integration of Sharia financial systems into the country’s regulatory framework, arguing that such a move would not improve transparency or accountability.
The Synod also urged Christians to return to God in genuine repentance, warning against modern-day idolatries such as the pursuit of wealth, status, pleasure, fashion, technology and self above faith.
On governance, the Church advocated merit-based appointments, proposing that political office holders be screened by a college of respected religious and traditional leaders. It argued that appointing the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) solely by the President undermines the commission’s independence.
The Synod further called for tighter border security to curb terrorism and illegal migration, while insisting that technocrats, rather than politicians, should drive Nigeria’s economic management.
Highlighting developments within the Diocese, the Church listed the establishment of a printing press, scholarship programmes for indigent children, construction of a house for a widow, provision of boreholes, economic empowerment initiatives and the renovation of homes damaged by storms.
The bishop commended Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu for improvements in infrastructure, youth employment, aviation, agriculture, education and security, but criticised the alleged imposition of candidates for elective offices and faulted the governor for marking his third anniversary in Abuja instead of Calabar.
“We advise Your Excellency against playing politics with governance. The work has only begun, and we hope to see greater commitment at home,” Egbe said.
The Synod also commended the three senators representing Cross River State for their developmental efforts across their senatorial districts and urged them to sustain the momentum.
