Politicians promoting Nigeria’s ethnic, religious fractionalization –  Anglican Bishop

By Cyprian Ebele, Onitsha 

The Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion has lamented Nigeria’s increasing fractionalization along ethnic and religious lines.

The church said it was more worrisome the manner certain elites and politicians have taken advantage of such fractionalization for their selfish gains.

The lamentation was contained in the Presidential address of Bishop on the Niger, Rt. Rev. Owen Nwokolo at the Diocesan 1st session of the 33rd Synod, held at St. Barnabas Anglican Church, Ojoto, with the theme, “Christ in You, the Hope of Glory”.

The bishop called for a new civilian Constitution drafted by a sovereign representation of the ethnic nationalities of the country.

He noted that the constitution would address fundamental issues necessary for a growing, united and prosperous nation.

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“Nigeria, unfortunately is fractionalized along ethnic and religious lines which some elites and politicians have exploited for their selfish gains.

“There’s a need for a totally new civilian Constitution drafted by a sovereign representation of the ethnic nationalities to address the fundamental issues necessary for a growing, united and prosperous nation,” he added.

Nwokolo further disclosed the Diocese signing partnership agreements with some Missions and overseas institutions for actualization of its programs and projects designed to touch millions of lives in the Diocese and Anambra in general.

On the collapsed DMGS Centenary building in Onitsha, Nwokolo clarified that the Diocese on the Niger inquiry concluded that the likely cause of the collapse was foundation failure due to poor soil conditions.

He stated that technical review had concluded the internal inquiries into the collapsed building.

According to him, the foundation for the new building was laid on January 25, 2025, symbolizing a new beginning with an increased focus on safety and quality.  

The Bishop also commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for the employment of teachers in their thousands to boost the educational sector and to abate unemployment in the state.

He further praised him for the dualization of some major roads and decongesting some areas in major markets in the state.  

Appreciating God for making the University on the Niger a reality, the Prelate noted that that institution has been specially packaged to become the Star of the East among Ivory Towers in Africa. 

He expressed delight that his recent Trans- Atlantic mission shuttles to Europe and America were yielding good results as Niger Diocese and the UniNiger now partner with some institutions and establishments overseas for the consolidation of his programs & projects designed to better mankind in this part of the world.

Primate of the Church of Nigeria, His Grace, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba lauded the Bishop on his numerous achievements which he said has taken his Episcopacy to new levels.

He described the milestones as demonstration of the Bishop’s unwavering commitment to advancing the cause of humanity.

The Primate praised the vision and purpose of the Synod, emphasizing its timeliness for both the Church and the nation, amid widespread despair.

He reminded believers that the hope is rooted in the living Christ, His resurrection, humility and ever presence.

Also speaking, Archbishop, Province of the Niger, Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim thanked God for his blessings upon the Diocese, the oldest diocese in Nigeria with a solid foundation in the  establishment of educational institutions.

He appreciated Nwokolo’s vision of making University on the Niger a leading tertiary institution in achievement of excellence in knowledge dissemination, character building and leadership for production of entrepreneurial and globally competitive graduates for national development.