Archbishop of Enugu Ecclesiatical Province and Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Anglican Communion, Most Rev.Prof. Emmanuel Chukwuma, has urged the Federal Government to win and end war against Boko Haram insurgency, banditry, corruption and oil theft in Nigeria.
He gave the charge in his sermon on Sunday at the thanksgiving Service to mark the 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Week held at the Cathedral Church of the Good Shepherd, Enugu.
He said that it took the Nigerian military three years to end the civil war, but Boko Haram war had lingered longer with its negative consequences to the country.
He said ,”we have lost fighting men, who their wives are widows today; we have lost huge resources and our people are displaced in large numbers due to Boko Haram war.
“Today, insurgents, bandits and other forms of negative elements have continued to disturb various parts of the country; thus, making the people to feel insecure in their localities.
“Corruption among politicians and public office holders remains in the increase and they are stealing in mind blowing manner.
“Added to all these is the recent oil theft that nearly brought government earnings to zero and subjected the country and her government to keep borrowing to remain afloat.
“In all these, I sincerely believe the Federal Government through our gallant military and exercising the will-power can win and end all these wars if we are committed and sincere to deal with them head long,” he said.
Chukwuma noted that Nigerians wanted rest and peace from the myriad of challenges that had confronted them all these years.
“This is why we are earnestly praying and calling for a New Nigeria, where Nigerians will feel secured and call home.
“The forthcoming general elections remains critical to achieve this and returning the nation back to its lost glory,” he said.
The archbishop, however, urged politicians to live exemplary lives like Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe and other first generation politicians did.
On the South-East, the cleric urged the Armed Forces, including the police and NSCDC, to end the retrogressive Monday Sit-at-Home in the region.
“It is rather unfortunate that few hoodlums hold the entire region to ransom, even when the leader of the Biafra struggle had directed that it should be abolished.
“The people needed the armed forces to come out en mass and patrol the streets on Mondays and the people will regain the courage once more and before you know it Sit-at-Home will stop,” he said.
Archbishop Chukwuma, congratulated the Nigerian Legion, serving personnel of the armed forces, their wives as well as widows of fallen heros for all their sacrifices to the nation.
Speaking, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Enugu,
Major General Umar Musa,said that “the thanksgiving service is necessary to remember our fallen heros, who fought gallant and paid the ultimate sacrifice for the country”.
The GOC, who was represented by a very senior officer Brig.-Gen. James Bambur, urged the serving officers and men to continue to serve selflessly with dedication and patriotism.
“Those we are remembering today have served gallantly and left; and I pray that we currently in service will serve and one day we leave the stage for others,” he said.
The Assistant Commandant General (ACG) of Nigerian Legion, Enugu State, Dr Emeka Igwesi, said that the thanksgiving was to appreciate God for His mercies towards the fallen heros, living heros, widows of fallen heros, their children and serving armed forces personnel.
“Sincerely speaking, the Federal Government has been paying the pension of retired armed forces personnel promptly
We must commend President Muhammadu Buhari for this feat,” he said.
