By OLAYINKA LATONA

The Presbyterian Church of Nigeria marked its 180th anniversary with a condemnation of the country’s worsening security crisis, demanding that government do more to stop killings and kidnappings, while also urging Christians to abandon passivity and vote for God-fearing leaders.

Addressing journalists at the Eko Synod celebration in Yaba, Lagos, former Group Managing Director, FBN Holdings Plc, Elder Urum Kalu Eke described the wave of abductions as “very regrettable” and paid tribute to fallen security personnel. He called for better equipment and welfare for soldiers, and urged communities to help identify criminals living among them.

“It gets worse when the most vulnerable are women and children who cannot help themselves. I call on authorities to spare a thought for them. No one is authorised to kill or put people’s lives in harm’s way all in the name of seeking ransom. I condemn it in the strongest word possible.”

He decried the culture of complaining without action, especially in the political sphere. He called for the election of leaders who rule with the fear of God, saying that when such people are enthroned, the nation will become much better.

In his words: “Every citizen must participate in politics. You have to vote. We should participate in building our democracy, which is still not settled anywhere. If you are passive, if you don’t participate, then for the next four years you are going to be led by those you may not have wanted to lead you. Enough of the complaining; we should get into the field and participate.”

He urged leaders at all levels to cushion poverty and be accountable: “Political office is to enhance welfare, not serve grandiose ambitions. After four years, you go back to the ballot. You don’t come only during election time.”

Also speaking, the Moderator of Eko Synod, Rt. Rev. Daniel Odim, urged worshippers to move beyond dormancy and embrace sacrificial living. “Grace teaches us to run away from sin. This achievement was not by dormancy but by engagement, work, intelligence, prayers, and acts of mercy,” he said. “If we must move higher, we should live sacrificially. People should not be defensive. They should come all out to achieve great heights.”

Rt. Rev. Odin reminded the congregation of the missionary legacy, noting that some of the early missionaries left Europe and died in Nigeria. “We should be able to show love to others, and the church will move forward,” he said.

One of the members of the anniversary committee Elder Joseph Asanga said the 180-year milestone is proof of God’s sufficient grace despite “seemingly insurmountable challenges.”

On national security challenges, elder Asanga called on the federal government to protect lives and property, insisting that Nigeria must be governed as a secular state with equity across all ethnic, tribal, and religious divides.
He prayed for families of departed faithful, reminding them of eternal life. “Life on earth is temporary and comes with enormous challenges. We will all go, but we don’t know when and how. Whenever and however, we must remain faithful to the cause of Jesus.”

Turning to governance, Asanga warned against any form of favouritism. “Nigeria is a secular state. It must be seen, ruled, and administered as such. There must be equity across the divides of the country. Anything that gives a semblance of favouritism to any group or tribe or religion must be roundly discouraged. Every group, tribe, and religion must be treated fairly, compassionately, and justly. The government must protect lives and properties.”