INSECURITY: ARCHBISHOP CALLS FOR MUTUAL DIALOGUE, TASKS LEADERS TO RISE TO RESPONSIBILITIES.
The Lutheran Archbishop of Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria (LCCN), Most Rev. Dr. musa Panti Filibus, lamented the spate of kidnappings, killings and religious intolerance in Nigeria. He called for mutual dialogue as way to foster peace, justice and development of this nation. Most Rev. Dr. Filibus made the called while declaring open the 95th Annual Convention of the Church at the Covenant Ground in Demsa, Demsa local government of Adamawa State.
Worried by the resurgence of insecurity in the nation, the Archbishop said “insecurity remains a major challenge of this country, each day lives is marked by violence due to activities of religious insurgents, abduction for ransom and rituals.” Daily we are faced with reports of murders, rape, forceful conversion and many more atrocities,” he said.
So he charged his members to continue to pray and contribute their quotas for the peace and development of the nation.
Calling on those conferred with the responsibilities of protecting lives of citizenry to put an end to the barbaric activities going on in the country, the LWF President said God has given right to life for all. Bemoaning the Nigeria’s underdevelopment, Most Rev. Dr. Musa said “almost sixty years since gaining political independence from British colonial rule, Nigeria is very polarised along sectional, tribal, regional and religious divides. He stated that
“Another dangerous sign is the increasing use of derogatory languages and speeches in the public place.” He noted that there is no way they can develop as a nation based on bigotry, tribalism, sectionalism; suspicion and hate. We must collectively resolve to respect the dignity and the constitutional rights of each other, “he suggested.
He called on journalists to use the media to change social narratives by applying languages that promote unity and values that enhance development and dignity of all.
Archbishop Musa further called on those leaving the nation in search of greener pastures abroad to have a rethink and rescind their decisions as there is no place like home.
The LWF President advised all to take note of the climate change and stop indiscriminate cutting down of trees in order to save themselves from desert encroachment.
Reiterating the commitment of the Church to continue to partner with TEKAN, CAN, AACC and other ecumenical bodies both local and international, Most Rev. Dr. Musa used the opportunity to commend the members of his Church for their tremendous contributions for the development of the church. He informed them that they are proposing to open a Lutheran University by the grace of God in the nearest future.
On this year theme, he said the idea was born out of so many challenges, tribulations and persecutions bedevilling the body Christ in the nation. So he said ” our theme this year is the Church: Christ’s Living Letter in the World” (2 Corinthians 3:2). The theme reminds us who we are and what we are called to do in the world as disciplines of Christ.
Thanking God for granting them journey mercies to the convention, the Archbishop used the medium to condole those that lost their loved ones. In his remarks, the General Secretary of All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) Rev. Dr. Fidon Mwombeki, said he was impressed with the turned out. He stated that he never witnessed such a gathering of people coming together to celebrate their faith.
Rev. Dr. Mwombeki congratulated LCCN for joining the AACC and assured them his organisation support anytime there is need. Highlight of the opening ceremony, were special prayers and songs of praises by various subgroups.