Nigerians Cry Out for Stability – His Eminence Julius Abbe …The African Church Ordains New Leaders 

 

The Primate of The African Church, His Eminence Julius Olayinka Abbe, has called for prayer and constructive criticism with suggested solutions, to the Nigerian government and its leadership regarding the prevailing situation in Nigeria.

The Primate made this appeal during the investiture ceremony of archbishops, consecration of bishops, and elevation of archdeacons of The African Church, held at the Church’s National Headquarters, Arch Cathedrals Bethel, Broad Street, Lagos.

Primate Abbe described the newly instituted clergies as senior ministers of the church entrusted with managing various posts to ensure proper administration, development, and spiritual growth of the church.

The newly invested Archbishops include Rt Rev Jeremiah Tunji Okunlola Ph.D., Rt Rev Nicholas Mne Uzua, and Rt Rev Babatunde Adeniyi Sogbesan. Also consecrated as bishops were The Ven Joseph Atimgba, The Ven Emmanuel Oriman Kuma, The Ven Jacob Terkimbi Mfave, The Ven J Akaakase, The Ven Augustine Lorzaatsa, The Ven Emmanuel Mhite Akime, and The Ven Samuel Mhiiorga Aema, while The Rev Canon Joseph Ugo, The Rev Canon Elijah Aban, The Rev Canon Clement Agba, The Rev Canon Samuel Yamakpe, The Rev Canon Daniel Mhanube, and The Rev Canon Christian Akigh were elevated as Archdeacons.

Commending the tenacity and resilience of the members and leadership of Markudi Province, Primate Abbe noted that amidst the crisis they are facing in their state, most of those consecrated as bishops are from Markudi Province.

He admonished the newly decorated clergies to live up to expectations and consider themselves as servants of God to their people; labourers, and co-workers in the vineyard, ready for the ministry’s work that gears towards the salvation of souls.

He counseled, “You have been enlisted as labourers and soldiers in God’s vineyard; you should face your assignments without distractions from worldly affairs.”

Lamenting the state of churches in Nigeria, Primate Abbe spoke about the intense persecution of churches, especially in the Middle Belt and the North, where some of their churches have been razed to the ground, with church buildings, vicarages, and properties destroyed. Some members were attacked, their farms destroyed, and properties lost, leaving them in a helpless situation.

Assessing the state of insecurity in the country and the government efforts, Primate Abbe said the level of insecurity in the country is high and saddening. In some places, when you leave home, you are not guaranteed to return home safely. Though the government is aware of the situation, they didn’t anticipate it would reach such magnitude before getting into power, and while they are doing their best to stabilize the situation, they need to intensify their efforts.

He added, They also need prayers, and if they’re able to get help or assistance anywhere, it’s for the good of the citizens, and anything it costs them to get that done, they should do it. “Primarily, the responsibility of any government is to protect and secure the life and properties of its citizens”, he stated.

Addressing the church’s role in the country’s situations, Primate Abbe said, as a key member of the CAN and CCN, he’s aware that the body of Christ is not silent; they’re playing their expected roles.

He mentioned participating in the last CAN national meeting where an extensive discussion on the security situation of the country led to a communique declaring Sunday, 14th June, as a mourning day in Nigeria, and 9th November as a Black Sunday for Nigerian Christians.

He prayed that God will guide the government on how to resolve the insecurity situation and give them the wisdom to do the needful.

Expressing sorrow over the abducted children and teachers taken from their school into the bush for over two weeks, with two among the teachers reportedly killed by the bandits, Primate Abbe charged politicians to think more about citizens’ safety and security. He asked, “If citizens are killed, murdered, or maimed, and their properties destroyed, who are they going to govern or rule?” He advised the politicians to stop the politics that do not value life, and urged that Nigerians should be safe.

The Primate urged Christians to fulfill their civic duties by participating in the electoral process, stressing the importance of voting for candidates who embodied godly principles.

He emphasized that Christians should be actively engaged in politics, stating, ‘If we show no interest in governance, unqualified individuals may seize power without accountability. However, active participation will yield better outcomes.’

He also called on Christians to live righteously, pursue peace, and be compassionate towards all, noting that the church exists to serve as a beacon of hope in a corrupt world.

Earlier in his message as the guest speaker, Most Rev Dr O. O Mensah, the Archbishop of The African Church, Calabar Province, and the most senior Archbishop of The African Church, said that at every point in one’s life when you are elevated or promoted, it’s always an additional responsibility

Meanwhile, Archbishop O. O. Mensah highlighted the importance of humility and diligence in leadership, reminding the decorated clergies that their roles carry significant responsibility.

He encouraged them to be messengers of God’s word, serving both the rich and the poor.

Quoting from Philippians 2:29, he encouraged the congregation to receive the newly instituted clergies with high honour.

Bishop Evans Onyemara echoed this sentiment, urging the newly instituted clergies to remain focused and committed to their duties.

He expressed that the body of Christ in Nigeria is not happy about the current situation and it’s not keeping quiet, as assumed in certain quarters; “we have always engaged the government and the powers that rule the country on issues concerning the Christian community and the general public,” he said.

In his remarks, Archbishop Jeremiah Okunlola, the Archbishop in charge of mission and church planting, also the Chairman of the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), Southwest Zone, thanked God for the promotion, viewing it as a call to serve God and His kingdom more effectively.

He appealed to the government and security operatives to rescue those held hostage by bandits and to address the country’s security challenges.

We acknowledge the passion that often characterizes politics, but we urge those involved in politics to refrain from politicizing human life.

While politics can be a game of strategy and ideology, human life is sacrosanct and should not be used for political leverage.

The planned ceremony, which was expected to draw guests from various parts of the country, was unfortunately hindered by concerns over national security.

I humbly implore the federal government and all state governments to take urgent action to save our country, and we believe that divine intervention will follow.

While emphasizing the need for security awareness and personal responsibility, Archbishop Okunlola also urged Nigerians to remain law-abiding and respect the rule of law, rather than taking matters into their own hands. He noted that the absence of law can lead to chaos, but the presence of law can also highlight transgressions.

As a Christian leader, he reiterated his commitment to praying for the nation and engaging with those in positions of authority.

Archbishop Jeremiah Okunlola expressed conviction that through prayer and righteous actions, God will intervene and guide the country.