Methodist Bishops back calls for restructuring of Nigeria

Clerics of the Methodist Church, Nigeria have unanimously backed calls from different quarters of the economy for the restructuring of the system of governance in the country.

This was a resolution taken at the end of the 46^th/11^th Biennial Conference of the Methodist Church, Nigeria held in Aba, the commercial nerve of Abia State under the leadership of the Prelate of the church in Nigeria, His Eminence Dr. Samuel Uche.

The clerics while addressing journalists in Aba through the Secretary of the Conference, Rt. Rev (Dr.) Michael O. Akinwale said that they were happy that God has kept Nigeria as one and indivisible nation, but however stated that it has become necessary that true federalism was practiced in the country with each state being allowed to manage available resources within its area of jurisdiction while they make an agreed contribution to the federal government of Nigeria as it was after the country’s independence.

Akinwale who stated that church was sad over the mindless killings of Nigerians and wanton destruction of properties in different parts of the country and continued detention of Miss Leah Sharibu by the Boko Haram insurgents in the North East, used the opportunity to call for the rejigging of the nation’s security apparatus and workforce. This is even as they advocated for creation of a state police that would be under the control of State Governors who are constitutionally the Chief Security Officer of their respective states.

The clerics who said that they were happy with the establishment of Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps also called for proper handling of the welfare and security of persons in the camps.

While commending the federal government for granting local governments in the country financial autonomy, the church also commended the President Muhammadu Buhari’s led government for signing the “Not Too Young to Run” Bill noted that the bill up the political space for young citizens of the country to aspire for any political position of their choice. This is even as they also called for more opportunities for women participation in politics.

“Methodist Church Nigeria upholds the principle of dignity of labour on the part of the workers; at the same time on the need for the Government to pay living wages to her workers.

“A situation whereby workers and pensioners are being owed for months is uncalled for. This has led to untimely death of many hard working servants and pensioners.

“We therefore appeal to the state and federal governments to handle the welfare of workers with utmost care. This is one of the ways to discourage financial corruption in both public private sectors of the economy.

Methodist Church Nigeria upholds the principle of separation of powers as enshrined in the 1999 constitution and consequently condemns the invasion of the premises of the National Assembly by the Directorate of the State Service. We commend the federal government in acting promptly for holding accountable those officers responsible for the invasion.

“Methodist Church Nigeria has noticed that politics with bitterness is becoming rampant in Nigeria. This has also brought about unnecessary overheating of the polity. The Church therefore appeals to all politicians to call self to order and play the game according to the rules,” Akinwale stated.