The Anglican Bishop of Aguata Diocese, Rt. Rev. Samuel Ezeofor, has urged the Governor of Anambra State, Chukwuma Soludo, to review recent appointments in his administration, warning that what he described as a tilt in favour of the Roman Catholic Church could create avoidable tension among Christian denominations in the state.
Ezeofor made the appeal during his episcopal charge at the third session of the seventh synod of the Diocese of Aguata held at St Andrews Parish, Ezira, in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State. The synod was themed “God’s Great Task for the Church: The Great Commitment, Raising a Godly Generation.”
In his address, the bishop said public appointments must reflect broad inclusion across faith groups, stressing that governance in a diverse society requires sensitivity to religious balance.
He stated that while the administration had recorded progress in different sectors, there was need to ensure that such progress is not overshadowed by perceptions of exclusion.
He said, “There is need to address the imbalance in appointments in your cabinet. It is important that all denominations feel represented in the governance structure.”
Ezeofor warned that failure to address such concerns could weaken public trust and create unnecessary divisions in communities where religious identity remains a sensitive issue.
The bishop also reminded the governor to consolidate on existing administrative foundations, noting that continuity and fairness are key to sustaining public confidence in government institutions.
A major part of his message focused on security operations in the state, particularly the activities of the Agunaechemba vigilance group operating under the state-backed security initiative known as “Udo ga achi.”
He urged the government to take a closer look at the conduct of the group, alleging that some operatives had deviated from their mandate.
According to him, reports from communities suggest instances of intimidation and financial exploitation of residents.
He said, “Apart from collecting money from people through intimidation, the security outfit has turned itself into something like funeral undertakers in some communities.”
He further alleged that operatives of the group had, in some cases, been involved in pressuring families regarding burial arrangements, a development he said was disturbing and capable of eroding public confidence in the initiative.
Ezeofor cautioned that although the security outfit was created with good intentions, its activities, if left unchecked, could undermine the credibility of the state government.
“The state government had good intentions in setting up the operation Udo ga achi, but the activities of its operatives are bringing bad name to the government which needs to be addressed to give hope and confidence to the people,” he said.
He called for immediate reforms and stronger oversight mechanisms to ensure that security personnel operate strictly within the law and respect the rights of citizens.
Beyond state matters, the bishop, who also serves as National Chairman of the Evangelical Fellowship in the Anglican Communion (EFAC) Nigeria, spoke on Nigeria’s broader security challenges.
He described the rising cases of banditry, terrorism, kidnappings, and farmer-herder conflicts as national concerns requiring urgent and coordinated response.
He said insecurity in the country has reached levels that demand collective action from government institutions, security agencies, and communities.
Ezeofor also referenced concerns about alleged targeted violence in some parts of the country, calling for greater attention to human rights protection and national reconciliation efforts.
On the economy, he urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts aimed at improving living standards, noting that economic hardship continues to affect households across the country.
He said economic recovery should be prioritized through policies that create jobs, stabilize prices, and strengthen productivity.
The bishop also expressed concern over Nigeria’s political environment, particularly the growing trend of politicians defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress. He warned that unchecked political realignment could weaken opposition structures and reduce democratic competition if not properly managed.
He called for a political culture that strengthens institutions rather than concentrating power, noting that democracy thrives on balance and accountability.
In his remarks, the Chancellor of Aguata Diocese, Justice Pete Obiora, praised the bishop for what he described as a consistent record of humility and principled leadership within the church.
Obiora urged political leaders to emulate such leadership qualities, stressing that governance and public service require accountability and moral discipline.
Also speaking, delegates at the synod, including Sir Obiora Okeke, President of the Aguata Council of Knights, and Lady Ngozi Ike, encouraged Christians to remain steadfast in their moral responsibility within society.
They described the Christian community as central to promoting ethical behaviour, urging believers to remain committed to values that support social stability and community development.
The synod ended with renewed calls for cooperation between religious institutions, government authorities, and community leaders in addressing governance, security, and economic challenges in Anambra State and across Nigeria.
