By Josephine Jesam
The second session of the 12th Synod of the Diocese of Calabar will officially commence on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, and run through Sunday, July 20, 2025, with delegates and clergy gathering under the theme “…Image which thou hast set up” —Daniel 3:18
The Rt. Rev. (Prof) Nneoyi Onen Egbe, Bishop of the Diocese of Calabar, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), has issued a passionate call to the Federal Government to urgently restore justice, truth, and national values as the only viable path to reclaiming Nigeria from what he described as “institutional decay and national death.”
Speaking during a press conference held Monday at St. Jude Anglican Church, Effiong Eke Nta Street, Calabar, to herald the second session of the 12th Synod of the diocese, Bishop Egbe anchored his message on the Synod’s theme: “…Image which thou hast set up” (Daniel 3:18), calling it a timely reflection of the false systems currently propped up across Nigeria.
“The Nigerian nation is, in simple words, dead,” the Bishop declared with solemnity. “The laws are not working, institutions have collapsed, and leaders live in denial. People now pocket the government and its arms with impunity. We are left with a society where the average Nigerian cannot even access food or move freely.”
Bishop Egbe urged the Federal Government to begin Nigeria’s recovery with an overhaul of the judicial system—placing emphasis on truth, justice, and fairness. He warned that no real progress can be made unless justice is institutionalized and the rule of law upheld.
He condemned what he termed “a faceless democracy” and proposed a leaner, more accountable governance system devoid of waste and political opportunism.
Bishop Egbe emphasized the urgent need to dismantle what he called “the Nigerian factor”—the get-rich-quick syndrome, corruption, and shortcuts to success at all costs. He called for completely reinvention of Nigeria’s value system and a return to merit, discipline, and patriotism.
“We need to kill this toxic mindset that glorifies fraud and mediocrity. We must start telling ourselves the truth, even if it hurts,” he charged. “We must emphasize merit, ability, and integrity over tribalism, nepotism, and favouritism.”
The Bishop also demanded that the government discard the current Nigerian Constitution, describing it as inadequate and lacking legitimacy. He advocated for creating a new, true national constitution that reflects equity and unity.
He further called for sweeping electoral reforms, including making INEC truly independent and removing its leadership from direct political appointment. Instead, he suggested that the chairperson of the electoral body be chosen through a transparent process involving religious and traditional institutions from all regions of the country.
Reacting to recent claims that many terror attacks were perpetrated by non-Nigerians, Bishop Egbe questioned the nation’s porous borders and lack of migration control.
“We must know who comes into and who lives in our country. Our borders must be strengthened to preserve national integrity,” he said, warning that the failure to do so continues to compromise national security.
The clergyman decried the persistent favouritism towards certain religions and ethnic groups, warning that it fuels division and undermines national unity.
“Every Nigerian should be treated equally. There must be no sacred cows. Preferential treatment based on religion or tribe has already caused too much harm,” he warned.
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