The Anglican Diocese of Ibadan, Oyo State, has charged the Federal Government to continue to give priority attention to road construction, review multiple taxation, intensify war against corruption, protect Christians from wanton massacre and to promote massive investment in education.

At the end of its 2017 Synod, the Church in a communiqué signed by the Diocesan Bishop and President of Synod, Most Revd. J.O Akinfenwa called on the Federal Government to urgently create a bypass for travellers on the Lagos-Ibadan end of the expressway to minimise the bottlenecks daily experienced by motorists on the dual carriage way owing to the ongoing reconstruction and also ensured speedy construction of other roads “until the west axis is linked with the north axis.”

The Church also asked the government to address the general complaints by Nigerians against multiple taxations in the country with a view to redressing the attendant injustice in the system.

While commending the Federal Government for its drive, the Church, as reflected in the communiqué demanded a holistic approach towards curtailing the menace of corruption in the country.

“We plead for transparency and equity in the fight against the menace,” the Synod said.

The Synod also expressed concern over the revelation of how some Nigerians who had served in privileged positions are allegedly stashing raw cash in both local and foreign currencies in their homes and obscure places to beat the law.

“The summation of the ongoing recovered ill-gotten money seems to be more than the annual budget. The Synod, therefore, suggest an enabling law to be enacted for the disbursement of the recovered money to cater for welfare of needy Nigerians.

“The Synod also notes the biting effect of recession on the masses with attendant depression now resorting to taking their lives.” It called on the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency raise a policy for halting the bad trend by creating an enabling environment for quick economic recovery to bring succour to more Nigerians.”

That the communiqué noted the increase in ritual killings, blood shedding in some parts of the federation and selective killings of Christians in some sections of the country. It urged the government to stem the tide of such barbaric acts which it considered as satanic and cautioned that, “blood shedding is satanic and has spiritual implications.”

While commending the government in its fight against Boko Haram insurgence, the Church condemned the menace of herdsmen and the impact of limiting the growth of agriculture across the states of Nigeria and frowned on the development of grazing routes/zones within the country.

The Synod therefore called for massive investments in the education sector to enhance capacity building of all Nigerians for national growth and progress.”

The Theme of the Synod which was, “Anglican Heritage, An Enviable Heritage (Our Identity)”, noted that the early Church which was historic, apostolic, catholic and unique was rich in tradition spiritually, fervent and evangelical.

It wondered what should be the identity of the Anglican Church to be handed over to the next generation. The Synod prayed for the day when the Anglican witness would be so strong, irresistible and be filled with the power, the glory and love of Christians.

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