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Anglican Synod: Jonathan Urges Religious Leaders To Intensify Prayers For Nigeria
By Philomina Attah
Former President, Goodluck Jonathan, has called on religious leaders and faith-based institutions to intensify prayers to help rebuild the nation’s social fabric amid growing moral decadence and insecurity in the country.
Jonathan gave the advice during the First Session of the 13th Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Abuja held at St. James Anglican Church, Asokoro, Abuja.
He lamented the declining value placed on human life and the rising level of violence and immorality in society.
Reflecting on the current state of the nation, the former president while addressing bishops, delegates and worshippers said the society had become increasingly troubling and complex.
According to him, people now hurt one another without remorse.
“I remember listening to a song in which the singer spoke about Christ.
“He said that if Christ were still with us on earth and looked down at what is happening in our societies today, He would be deeply troubled by the way we treat one another.” he said.
Jonathan commended religious leaders for their continuous intercessory prayers for Nigeria, stressing that the country could have been in a far worse condition if not because of the role of the Church and other faith-based institutions.
“The Church has continued to play a key role. I always feel that if religious leaders had not been praying seriously for this country, things would probably have been far worse than what we are witnessing today,” he said.
Jonathan expressed concern over the erosion of moral values, particularly among young people, citing incidences of cult-related violence in schools and campuses.
He also blamed the negative influence of social media and excessive exposure to harmful content for worsening moral decline among youths.
According to him, these happen in spite of the positive opportunities technology provides.
He expressed optimism that Nigeria would overcome its current challenges, insisting that difficult phases were part of the historical journey of many nations that later achieved stability and prosperity.
“God will not abandon Nigeria. Many societies we admire today passed through painful and difficult periods before attaining stability and prosperity,” Jonathan said.
According to him, transformation does not take forever, it only requires good and focused leadership and commitment.
Jonathan urged Nigerians to unite in rescuing the country from its current social and moral challenges.
He expressed confidence that with the support of religious leaders and citizens, Nigeria would become a better nation for future generations.
The Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, Archbishop, Primate of All Nigeria and Bishop of Abuja, who presided over the synod, gave a state of the nation address.
He lamented that worsening hardship and political maneuvering ahead of the 2027 general elections were distracting leaders from governance and deepening public frustration.
“It is clear that the political class is jostling for its survival rather than the service and welfare of the people.
“Our political leaders have abandoned governance to pursue their strategy for contesting the 2027 elections,” he said.
Ndukuba decried the wave of defections across political parties.
He said the absence of strong opposition politics and increasing “toxic political manoeuvres” showed that many politicians were more interested in power struggles than solving the country’s economic and security problems.
Ndukuba urged the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain neutral and ensure fairness in the electoral process
According to him, the commission should provide equal opportunities for all to participate ahead of 2027.
On the economy, Ndukuba commended President Bola Tinubu for pursuing structural reforms in spite of the global economic pressures triggered by the Russia-Ukraine war and tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
He also noted that inflation had dropped from 27.6 per cent in April 2025 to 15.15 per cent in December 2025 before rising slightly to 15.38 per cent in March 2026, while the naira had stabilised around N1,380 to the dollar.
The cleric said these improvements had not translated into relief for ordinary Nigerians.
“With 133 million out of 220 million Nigerians in multidimensional poverty, macroeconomic gains have not reached the citizens on the streets,” he said.
Also speaking, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, said the church plays a crucial role in building the society and restoring hope in times of uncertainty.
Akpabio, who was represented by Sen. Ireti Kingibe (FCT), urged believers to continue to stand as courageous voices for national peace and stability.
“The Church, therefore, occupies a sacred and strategic position in the life of every nation; beyond the walls of worship centres, the Church shapes conscience, nurtures values, restores hope and strengthens the moral architecture of society.”
Present at the event were former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd), former Governor of Imo, Emeka Ihedioha and former Chief of Staff to President Jonathan, Mike Oghiadomhe, among other dignitaries.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Ijendu Iheaka/Deji Abdulwahab
