By Anayo Okoli & Eric Ugbor
UMUAHIA—THE Methodist Church of Nigeria has described as laughable, the list of looters recently released by the Federal Government, saying that the list portrays the commitment of the present administration’s fight against corruption as a mirage.

Looters

This was contained in a communiqué of the 57th Annual Diocesan Synod of the Diocese of Umuahia (AKA Living Spring) presided over by the Archbishop of Umuahia Archdiocese and the Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Chibuzo Raphael Opoko with the theme “Strive for Peace and Holiness” (Heb.  12:14).

The communique read: “The synod commended the president and commander -in- chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari on his commitment to zero corruption in Nigeria and wondered if there are no sacred cows. The Synod notes that the recent list of corrupt officials by the Minister of Information is laughable and portrays the government’s commitment as a mirage.”

The Synod therefore advised that there should not be any sacred cows, as many in both political parties could be culpable.

“War against corruption therefore should be total and comprehensive,” the church stated.

The church decried the insecurity existing in the country today saying “Day after day, week after week, month after month, many citizens of Nigeria are killed, slaughtered, maimed and their property destroyed by Boko Haram and herdsmen.

The Church frowned at the lack of synergy in the response to the security situation by the Inspector General of Police and the Minister of Defence who gave varying accounts for the cause of the fracas between Herdsmen and the communities. The Synod stated that it was indeed insensitive on the part of the Chief Security Officers.

Furthermore, the Church called on the Federal Government to fish out the militia men and women who carry AK47 and other sophisticated weapons and masquerade as Fulani Herdsmen without further delay in order to halt decisively the wanton destruction of lives and property by these evil and heartless men.

The Church noted with delight some developmental efforts of the government of Abia State on the areas of security of lives and property, infrastructural development especially in Aba and the promotion of made-in-Aba products. The synod commended and encouraged the government to do more. The Synod also noted the initiative of the Governor of Abia State in sending some young people to China to learn new skills, competence and knowledge in the leather works and commended him for this technological transfer.

The Church however called on the Abia State government to intensify effort in payment of salaries and pension of workers and retirees respectively in order to improve the living standard of the people.

Reflecting on the theme of the Synod, “the Church enjoined all and sundry in the society to pursue peace primarily in our own homes as every society is the reflection of the families that comprise it. Achieving peace would require some deliberate and conscious effort hence the word”Strive”  in the theme. Therefore, we must intentionally do things that promote peace when and where there is peace, progress and prosperity abound.”