FIC Report (Abia State) – The Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie lkpeazu has disclosed that the peace and security Abia is enjoying presently when compared with other States across the federation was because the foundation of his administration was built on God.
Governor Ikpeazu who was a special Guest of Honour for the 2nd session of the 10th Synod of the Diocese of Umuahia, Anglican Communion at St. Andrew’s Church Nsukwe and Amibo Ubakala North Archdeaconry in Umuahia South L.G.A, therefore called on the Church to remain steadfast in prayers for his administration and overall good of the state, even as the general election draws near.
He pointed out that Synod creates a great moment for one to have a sober reflection, turning from bad to good.
Preaching earlier during the service , the Anglican Bishop of Awgu/Aninri of the Church of Nigeria in the Province of Enugu, The Rt. Rev. Benson Ndubuisi Chukwunweike enjoined the church to also fear and respect God no matter their positions in the society.
The Anglican Bishop charged the congregation to let open their hearts and allow God enter and examine their lives for spiritual renewal and transformation.
The Rt. Rev’d Chukwunweike who referenced the Bible books of Genesis chapter 32 verse 22; Mark chapter 10 verse 17; Luke chapter 18 verse 9 and Hebrews chapter 12 verses 1 and 12 further encouraged the Church to always acknowledge God first in all they do.
Delivering a Presidential Address at the 2nd Session of the 10th Synod ,the Anglican Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, Anglican Communion, The Rt. Rev’d Geoffrey Ibeabuchi has pointed out that the several collapse of the National Grid leading to national energy crises does not portray the country in a good light.
Bishop Ibeabuchi pointed out that the sad part of the story is that electricity tariff was increased recently thereby increasing the hardship faced by consumers who pay more for the product they rarely consume.
Power supply in Nigeria is by the day becoming not encouraging to individuals, private and public organisations.
According to findings, Nigeria generates too little electricity to supply its population of 200 million people, generally hovering at around 4,000 megawatts a day.
Bishop Ibeabuchi therefore passionately called on the Government to do all within her powers to restore electricity as soon as possible.
On the 2023 general election, Bishop Ibeabuchi announced that the Synod has taken various steps to encourage citizens to get involved, shun political thuggery, voter apathy and register in any political party of their choice and also be part of the selection process from the Ward to National levels.
Bishop Ibeabuchi carefully drew the attention of the Abia State Government under the leadership of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu to the plight of the State pensioners and passionately appealed that, “Our senior citizens must not be allowed to suffer and die with tears in their eyes against you and our nation”.
Bishop Ibeabuchi said, “We still believe that something is wrong on how our senior citizens are treated. While some go home smiling, some others are in anguish, in pain and in sorrow. This trend is abnormal and needs immediate intervention of His Excellency. Everybody in active service today will one day retire. Put yourself in the shoes of this our retirees then you will know their painful and ugly experiences. Some of them have no food to eat while some have no house of their own. Some who married late are unable to train their children. May we once again remind those serving in the Pensions Office that they will not be in that office forever”.
The Bishop, however, reminded the government that selling fertilizers through contractors or third parties have not helped farmers and requested the government to make the commodity available to farmers at the right time and at an affordable price too.
He reminded both the government and genuine farmers that, “We cannot depend on the Federal Government for our food sufficiency and Abia State cannot continue to depend on foodstuffs imported from other states” but with little more effort, “We can feed ourselves”.
Earlier, the Speaker to the House Of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji has charged the Church to pray fervently for the nation and her Leaders expressing hope that the Synod will drastically improve the Christian life of the Members. He Congratulated the entire Clergy and Members urging them to continue to stand on the path of truth at all times and live out the virtues of Christ.
The one week event had also the Member representing Abia South, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Minister of Steel and Mines Development, Dr. Sampson Ogah, the Speaker to the House Of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji, SSG, Barr. Chris Ezem, the Archbishop, Society, Church, Government Officials and the general public.
