Anglican synod advocates level playing field for political parties

The Ekiti Anglican Diocese of the Church of Nigeria has canvassed a level playing ground for all political parties in elections in Nigeria.

It also called for proper reinvestment of resources saved from the removal of fuel subsidy in the country.

The diocese’s position, according to a communique by the drafting committee chairman, Taiwo Olatunbosun, and Secretary, Emmanuel Ojo, made available in Ado Ekiti on Friday, was made known during the Third Session of its 20th Synod in Ado Ekiti, with the theme “Children are the Heritage of God.”

The Synod, which coincided with the 60th Anniversary of the Diocese, was held under the leadership of the Anglican Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Andrew Ajayi, alongside his wife, Bolarinwa Ajayi, President of the Women and Girls’ Organisations in the diocese.

The synod also made a case for the development of the younger generation to make them responsible future leaders. It also urged all levels of government to prioritise job creation and provide entrepreneurial opportunities for Nigerian youths.

It stated, “Reducing unemployment will significantly improve both the economy and national security,” as it canvassed mass industrialisation, describing such as “a strategic shift from a consumption-driven economy to a production-based economy.”

The Synod called on President Bola Tinubu to “intensify efforts and adopt enhanced collaborative strategies to curb rising banditry, particularly in Northern Nigeria.”

It also expressed concern over persistent violence, calling on the Federal Government to strengthen its response to criminal activities perpetrated by bandits, kidnappers, terrorists, and other violent groups, adding, “The Synod welcomes international collaboration, particularly with the United States of America, in training Nigerian Armed Forces in intelligence gathering and counter-terrorism strategies.

“The Synod commends the Federal Government for its efforts in combating corruption and urged that the fight be intensified, broadened, and pursued without bias or selective justice. It further recommends that funds saved from fuel subsidy removal be transparently reinvested into the economy to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians.”

For the 2027 elections, the Synod, while reiterating support for credible, transparent, and trustworthy electoral processes, called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) “to prosecute perpetrators of vote-buying” and urged security agencies to curb the activities of political thugs.

It also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to remain impartial and ensure that all lawful votes were counted.

“We are advocating a level playing field for all political parties in all elections in Nigeria. We advise citizens to conduct themselves responsibly and participate actively in the democratic process,” the communique read.

The Synod encouraged greater participation of Christian youths in politics and urged Christians in public office to uphold integrity as ambassadors of Christ and exemplars of righteousness.

On the June 20 governorship election in Ekiti State, the church stressed the need to sustain the prevailing peace in the state before, during, and after the election.