The Anglican Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Rt Revd Prof Samuel Ike, has issued a strong critique against Nigerian government officials, stating their actions and body language are actively promoting disunity among the populace.
Injustice and Division at the Core
Delivering his 2025 Christmas message in Enugu, Bishop Ike asserted that the high level of injustice being propagated in the country is dividing Nigerians along religious and ethnic lines. He explained that this situation is severely worsened by a comatose healthcare system, a poor economy, and escalating insecurity.
The cleric lamented that the nation's predicament has created a population of "spiritually poor and physically hungry people." He painted a grim picture, stating, "Nigerians who have managed to escape death from hunger have remained captives in the den of kidnappers and their families are not only broken but are fast losing hope in their fatherland."
Allegations of Genocide and Call for Unity
Bishop Ike made a grave allegation, stating that Christian genocide is a reality in Nigeria. He claimed that Islamic Jihadists and their supporters have become instruments of the devil, working "hard to eliminate the Christian population in the land."
He urged Nigerians to stop debating the existence of this genocide, arguing that no solution can begin "when we live in denial of the real diagnosis." Directly addressing President Bola Tinubu, he called for concerted efforts to unite the country in the spirit of Christmas.
The Nnamdi Kanu Factor and Security Solutions
The Bishop also commented on the recent sentencing of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), stating it has further divided the nation. He noted that public perception has shifted from guilt to viewing the sentence as political and tribal.
"Questions like, how did a man narrowly escape the hangman’s noose, receiving a life sentence instead, for the things he said, while many more murderers... are being negotiated while sitting and taking pictures with top government officials?" he queried. He advised President Tinubu to pursue a political settlement on the Kanu matter to reduce agitation in the Southeast.
On security, Bishop Ike urged Southeast governors to emulate their Southwest counterparts by establishing and funding a regional security network to support federal efforts.
Praise and Critique for Enugu State
Turning to local governance, the cleric praised Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, for a paradigm shift in delivering democratic dividends through multi-sector development. However, he urged the governor to revisit the issue of multiple taxation in the state to ease the burden on residents and improve livelihoods.
Concluding his message, Bishop Ike encouraged Nigerians to allow the Prince of Peace to reign, replicating the great joy of Christmas in every home.
