Christian leaders of different denominations in the southeast geopolitical zone have asked the federal and state governments to urgently restore a national sense of belonging, equity and fairness in dealing with all segments of Nigeria so as to end the orgy of violence that have trailed separatist agitations in the country, particularly in the south-east.
The leaders, who were under the platform of representatives of Igbo Archbishops and Bishops on Peace and Conflict Resolution, however, pointed out that it was the failure of entrenching equity and fairness, made worse by the increasing divide between the ruling class and the people, that opened the floodgate for ethnic and sectionalise agitations for justice and fairness that gradually won the loyalty of frustrated citizens.
They noted the tragic plight of Igbo youth, their families and individuals in the entire south-east region which became a cause for grave concern to all in the local communities and within various Church bodies, saying the level of violence and insecurity in the region was no longer tolerable.
They said that the southeast was a land where people have always been known for their industry, entrepreneurship and creativity, but is now living in crippling fear. “Our land is soaked with blood and a gloomy cloud hangs in the air. This cannot be allowed to go on,” the Bishops said.
They stated this in two-page release made available to journalists on Sunday in Enugu, which was signed by the Catholic Archbishop of Owerri, Most Rev. Dr Anthony J. V. Obinna; the Anglican Archbishop of Enugu, Most Rev. Dr Emmanuel Chukwuma; the Methodist Archbishop of Umuahia, Most Rev. Dr Chibuzo R. Opoko; the Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Dr. Valerian M. Okeke; Past Principal Clerk Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Most Rev Dr. Uma Onwunta; Bishop Obi Onubogu of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria and the Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) south-east zone, Rev. Dr Abraham Nwali.
According to the body of clergy, whereas some may be content with analysing only the immediate causes of the situation, they would prefer to point out that at the root of all the problems is the failure of governance at various levels, particularly with the return to constitutional democracy in 1999, when people had looked forward to a national sense of belonging and the restoration of equity and fairness in dealing with all segments of Nigeria. “This, unfortunately, has not happened,” the Bishops said in agreement.
“The failure in this regard opened the way for ethnic and sectionalise agitations for justice and fairness. With the increasing divide between the ruling class and the people, and the vacuum created by an alienating leadership at the Federal, Regional and State levels, separatist bodies emerged and soon began to win the loyalty of frustrated citizens.
“In the South East of Nigeria, one of such groups, the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), gained prominence some years ago. Although it was proscribed by the Federal Government in 2017, the group has continued its agitation for an independent State of Biafra, often leading to heavy military responses and the loss of lives of many youths.
“The group is also accused of various killings, many of which it denies. This situation has created a very dangerous environment, which is being exploited by many criminal elements who have unleashed a reign of terror on the helpless citizens of the region.
“As religious leaders of this badly battered region, we appeal to all those responsible for the killings to please stop, before the entire South East descends into anarchy, which will invariably affect the other parts of the country.
“We believe that there are still other options besides violence, over the militarization of the area, and senseless killings.
“We passionately call on the Federal Government to, as a matter of urgency, address the underlying reason for the agitations, namely, the desire for equity, fairness and good governance in Nigeria, in order to eliminate, or at least minimize, the separatist agitations, not only in the South East but everywhere else in Nigeria,” the Bishops said.
