Nigeria Nigerian Anglican Leaders Slam Politicians, Including Tinubu, Over Widespread Corruption and Economic Hardship

The Anglican Church of Nigeria condemned corruption among political leaders, criticizing insensitive government policies causing severe hardship for citizens. In a recent meeting, church leaders expressed solidarity with protests against bad governance and called for a comprehensive constitutional review while emphasizing the need for effective local government autonomy.

In a powerful statement released after a recent Standing Committee meeting, the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, condemned the rampant corruption among political leaders in Nigeria. The church highlighted how insensitive government policies have plunged citizens into severe hardship, emphasizing the need for urgent action against corruption.

Held at St. Andrew’s Basilica in Enugu State, the meeting gathered 147 Archbishops and Bishops, along with clergy and lay members. The communique was signed by prominent church leaders, including Archbishop Henry C. Ndukuba. It expressed solidarity with the recent “EndBadGovernance” protests, stating that the mass demonstrations against poor governance and escalating hunger reflect the deep frustrations of Nigerians.

The church criticized politicians for their lavish lifestyles amidst widespread suffering, calling for a more sincere and transparent approach from anti-corruption agencies like the EFCC and ICPC. Furthermore, the Anglican Church rejected the piecemeal amendments to Nigeria’s military-era constitution, advocating for a comprehensive review to address citizens’ concerns.

The Standing Committee also raised alarms about xenophobic tendencies in the country and urged the government to tackle these issues decisively. Addressing the dire economic situation, the church lamented the recent fuel price hikes, which overshadowed the newly approved minimum wage. They praised the upcoming Dangote Refinery, hoping it would alleviate fuel scarcity, and urged the government to facilitate its operations for the benefit of the populace. The communique concluded by stressing the importance of local government autonomy and the need for oversight in financial management to prevent corruption at that level.