Methodist Church Nigeria Condemns Political Defection, Emergency Rule in Rivers
By Judex OKORO
The Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Calabar has condemned continued defection of key political players in Nigeria to a particular party and truncation of democratic rule in Rivers state.
This was made known in a communique issued at the end of the 49th Annual Synod of the Methodist Church Nigeria Diocese of Calabar held at Immanuel Circuit in Calabar which was themed: "He will rise again".
The 11 point communique was signed by ArchBishop of Calabar His Grace Most Rev. Chimezuo Nwankpa, Lay President Sir Edet Attih and Chairman communique committee Elder Offiong Unoh.
The Synod "condemned the truncation of democracy in Rivers State by the recent declaration of the state of Emergency and subsequent appointment of a sole administrator.
It called for the immediate restoration to the office of the governor and others who were democratically elected in order for the citizens to enjoy the benefits of democracy.
"The continued defection of key political players in Nigeria to a particular party was condemned by the synod.
Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. This ugly trend of one party being allowed to wield absolute power of not curbed would result in the country being a one party state. This does not augur well for true democracy.
The synod also observed the high crime rate in the country and the economic meltdown and said the government should do more in addressing these challenges.
It acknowledged some ongoing infrastructure projects at the federal, state and local levels and called for increased budgetary allocation to the health sector.
The synod facilitated the head of the Methodist Church Nigeria His Eminence Dr. Oliver Aba on his 65th birthday and prayed for long life and divine health for him and a successful tenure.
The synod also charged Methodist faithful especially ministers that Methodism is an old time religion that adheres to divine practices of the scripture and Luther's Protestantism. They were therefore exhorted not to deviate from this sacrosanct order of the word, sacrament and Methodist liturgy.
The synod also condoled with the Catholic Church worldwide over the passage of Pope Francis and prayed for the repose of his soul.
