THE COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE END OF THE SECOND SESSION OF THE ELEVENTH SYNOD OF THE DIOCESE OF AKOKO, ECCLESIASTICAL PROVINCE OF ONDO, CHURCH OF NIGERIA (ANGLICAN COMMUNION), HELD AT SAINT JAMES’ ANGLICAN CHURCH, SUPARE-AKOKO BETWEEN THURSDAY 9TH AND SUNDAY 12TH JUNE, 2016.
- THE PERMEABLE
The second session of the eleventh synod of the Diocese of Akoko, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) was held under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the able leadership of the President of the Synod, The Rt. Rev’d Gabriel A. Akinbiyi, at St. James’ Anglican Church, Supare-Akoko between Thursday 9th and Sunday 12th June, 2016.
The synod had in attendance, the house of the Bishop, Clergy, and Laity; Dignitaries and Distinguished personalities from all spheres of life.
- THE SYNOD THEME
The theme of the well attended synod was “How shall we Escape” (Heb. 2:3). The synod noted with admiration that the theme for this year’s synod was an offshoot of the 2015 theme “Salvation by Grace through Faith and for Good works” (Eph. 2:8-10). With this in mind, the synod therefore studied, deliberated and reflected on the theme extensively that the gospel unfolds the greatness of Jesus Christ and His saving work.
The theme teaches that the deliverance which a man could experience through the once-for-all event of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ was such a great salvation that shouldn’t be neglected or jettisoned.
It shows that men and women cannot hope to escape from a just retribulation if they disregard the Christ who made their salvation possible and who ultimately will be their judge. The implications of neglecting such a great salvation which Jesus Christ brought ranges from being eternally separated from God and living in hell forever.
The theme therefore enjoins all to take a bold step back to Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world, who freely offered Himself on the cross of Calvary for the remission of the sine of humanity.
- THE STATE OF THE NATION
3.1 The synod noted with dismay the recent revelations on the massive corruption through the Government officials particularly at the Federal level which is to the detriment of Nigeria. It is rather sad that the fund meant for the procurement of weapon to combat Boko Haram terrorists was diverted into individuals’ account for private purposes, leaving Nigeria soldiers helpless.
Synod therefore enjoins our leaders and those in positions of authority to be God fearing and those who have looted the nation’s treasury must be made to face the full wrath of the law.
3.2 The synod frowned at the state of national insecurity. Particularly, the incessant Kidnappings, Boko Haram incendiary, Fulani herdsmen attack and vandalisation of Natural gas and crude oil pipelines by the Niger Delta Avengers. The Synod urges the Government to proffer solutions to these myriads of challenges; and also solicit the total commitments of our Political class to fulfil their “change’ mantra in order to salvage the nation from total collapse.
3.3 The Synod observed that life has become difficult for Nigerian masses with the recent deregulation of downstream sector which coincide with the increase in tariff of electricity supply without palliative measure to alleviate the effect on the Nigerian Society. The Synod noted that workers were owed several months of salaries and pensions in about twenty four states in Nigeria. The Synod hereby calls on the Federal and State Government to pay up workers’ salaries as well as pensioners ‘being owed to save people from continuous starvation.
3.4 Furthermore, with the present depreciation of the Naira, fall in crude oil price and production, the Synod urges the Government at all levels to put machinery in motion to diversify monolytic economy to improve other sectors such as agriculture, Solid minerals, tourism, and other facilities which have high potentials, to save the nation from the present doldrums.
3.5 The Synod condemns in strong terms the plan of the Federal Government to finance “grazing reserves” for cattle rearers across the nation; this is an act of nepotism and favouritism of one tribe over others in Nigeria. The Synod recommends that Government should encourage private creation of ranches.
3.6 Synod calls the attention of Federal and State Government to lives of Christians being threatened, most especially in the Northern part of Nigeria; where a Christian was beaten up for not observing the Ramadan fasting. Secondly, the rule made by a Governor that before you can preach religion, a license must be obtained. Also in down South, the use of Hijab by female Muslim pupils to schools is most disturbing: yet Nigeria is a secular State where religion is supposed to be voluntary. Synod hereby advise Federal and State Governments to look into these actions with the utmost sincerity of purpose to avoid religious crisis in the country.
In conclusion, the synod advises the government at all levels to UPDATE jobs for the unemployed youths to reduce poverty and insecurity in the Nigerian society.
The Rt. Rev’d. G. A. Akinbiyi.
Diocesan Bishop of Akoko.
