The Anglican Bishop of Amichi diocese, Most Revd Ephraim Ikeakor, has raised alarm over the rising debt profile in Nigeria.
Ikeakor stated that the nation’s debt profile which has risen to N24.39 trillion as at December 31, 2018 is shameful, attributing such to lack of focus of the state governors, especially from the South East.
The prelate who stated this at Cathedral church of St Andrews, Amichi in Nnewi south local government Area of Anambra state during press conference and facility inspection as part of activities marking the second session of the fourth synod of the diocese, said no debt profile by any governor was justifiable, stating that the internally generated revenue of states was enough to clear all debts and still take care of other aspect of governance.
According to him, “But our problem is that we lack prudent management of resources in governance. We don’t have governors working in their local resources. If Anambra state, for instance, works with their IGR, we can compete with Lagos State but they rather use it to settle their cronies. Our debt profile has no end and I pity the younger generation.
“We are beggars living as kings. We have business men in governance not politicians. The kind of lifestyle our leaders live makes me cry and it will not change until we discover that leadership is a trust”.
Ikeakor also commended President Buhari for ignoring Nigerians on his inauguration day, saying that President has conscience.
On the IPOB sit at home, the Anglican Bishop condemned in strong terms the sit at home order by IPOB, saying that the order is not in the interest of the people of the south east.
“Abuja, Lagos and other zones have nothing to lose but our people lost multi billion naira from the order. Who then is fooling who.
“IPOB should look for more cultured and efficient way of registering their grievances because, for me, the sit at home is irrelevant” he exclaimed.
Speaking on the theme of the synod, ‘Rediscovering and harnessing the ministry of the laity for holistic and effective church growth in the Anglican church”, Ikeakor noted with regret the usurping of the duties of the laity by the clergy in some churches.
According to him, the lay people are the church growers while the clergy are the church administrators.
He said the synod will address the laity, clergy dichotomy and encourage the laity to do more church work as a way of rediscovery and harnessing of their ministry.
