Security
THE Most-Rev. Ikechi Nwosu, the Archbishop of Aba Ecclesiastical Province of the Anglican Communion, has expressed fears that the security challenges in the country could jeopardise the 2019 polls, if not effectively tackled.
Nwosu said this on Friday in Umuahia, while fielding questions from newsmen on the sideline of the foundation-stone laying ceremony of the ‘Archbishop’s Palace Chapel’, located at St. Stephen’s Anglican Church, Umuahia.
“For some of us, 2019 is still far but I am worried by what we are seeing today, especially the spate of insecurity in the country.”
He cited the increasing cases of suspected herdsmen/farmers clashes and killings in different parts of the country.
Nwosu, who is also the Bishop of Umuahia Diocese of the Anglican Communion, said he was concerned that the country was being polarised along ethnic divide.
He said that the development underscored the need for the restructuring of the country in order fir it to continue to exist as one.
The clergyman, therefore, urged Nigerians to pray fervently for the nation ahead of the 2019 polls.
Delivering a sermon during a brief service held inside the chapel, which construction had reached the second floor, Ven. John Ogbonna, charged worshippers not to come to the chapel to invoke “Holy Ghost fire” against their perceived adversaries.
Ogbonna, who is the Vicar in charge of St. Stephen’s Anglican Church, Okwuta-Ibeku Parish, Umuahia, said:”This is a chapel of love and not for people to come and invoke Holy Ghost fire.”
“This place is where people should come to seek for redemption of mankind, because Jesus Christ did not come to condemn the world but to save the world.”
He said that the project was conceived by the Archbishop but that its construction was made possible through the self-sacrifice of prominent Nigerians of different religious and denominational affiliations.
“People made sacrifices for the project to get to this level through voluntary donations but what is remaining is still enormous,” the cleric said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the chapel was christened “John 3:16,” which states, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
NAN learnt that the Anglican tradition provides for a chapel in every Bishop’s Court,” where the Bishop holds special sessions including meetings and other services such as baptism and Holy Communion, among others. (NAN)
– Apr. 7, 2018 @ 5:00 GMT
AE
Tags: Insecurity poses threat to 2019 polls says Anglican archbishop
