“FOR WITH GOD, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE”, BEING THE FULL TEXT OF A PRESS STATEMENT PRESENTED BY PRIMATE OF THE AFRICAN CHURCH, HIS EMINENCE, DR. EMMANUEL UDOFIA, DURING THE BIENNIAL CONFERENCE HELD AT ST STEPEHEN’S CATHEDRAL; 25, WELLINGTON BASSEY WAY, UYO AKWA IBOM STATE, ON THURSDAY, MAY 6, 2021



We thank God immensely for his overwhelming providence made available to us all without bias. The Love of God is no doubt the reason for our continuous resilience against all odds, threats and life’s challenges.


As a church, we attribute our journey so far to God’s unfailing hands and owe Him our reverence for keeping us in one fitful piece through the storms of our Christian race. We recall that God never promised that the race would be problem-free, but He did promise to be with us even till the end of time (Matt 16:18-19).

We recall the issues which almost tore the church into shreds in 2019, the crisis which sprang from them and how God made it possible for us to overcome them. Obviously, His words have not failed hence, our unreserved gratitude to Him and the Conference theme: “For with God, all things are possible”.

For purposes of posterity, let me again empahsise that God is the owner of the church, and He provided a manual for the operations of the church. The African Church, founded in 1901, is an institution founded by God. There is a Constitution, a codified document that describes and defines expectations, functions, requirements and everything about the institutions of the church. The church has experienced dynamism that constantly shaped her metamorphosis over the years. There are three documents that guide the church – The Bible, The Constitution, and The Book of Common Prayer and Liturgy.

It should be noted that the Constitution of The African Church has been reviewed five times: - in October, 1960; May, 1979; February, 1992; May, 1998; and, May, 2014. Every review captures the expectations of the church for improvements that cures the defects of the initial documents. Section 12.1 of the 2014 Constitution of the church specifies, inter alia, that: “The Highest and Supreme Organ in and for The African Church shall be the Conference.” This provision settles the question of which organ of the church is the supreme authority of the church.

At the 113th Conference which midwifed the 2014 Constitution, it was specifically stated, that; 7.03 (i) “Qualifying age for the Primate was retained at 50 years, Archbishop 45 years. They are to serve for 10 years or retire at the age of 60 years (whichever comes first). However, the incumbent Primate will retire at the age of 65 years as provided in the current Constitution.” See page 12 of the 113th Conference Report.

Marrying it with the provisions of the Constitution of the church, the truth clearly stands out that my tenure as the incumbent Primate of the church is fifteen (15) years, or the attainment of 65 years, whichever comes first. These are sacred facts that are unambiguous, and thus, cannot be twisted or denied.

I pray that what we are facing today in the church should lead us to true repentance and; show true love for one another as taught in the world of God, so that none of us will be left out during Rapture (when the son of God shall come for his own) in Jesus name


STATE OF THE NATION
The unending dramatic stage which Nigeria has turned out to be is not only baffling but appalling and distasteful. It is both saddening and sickening that the sacrificial labour of our past heroes has become a anthem to be recited only when the need arises, while the painstaking efforts for unity, togetherness and love are left without regard. Of a truth, Nigeria has retrogressed perhaps to an irredeemable extent where prayer and a total change of attitude and action in the positive, seems to be the only viable panacea.


Let me start with the gruesome murder of the young graduate, Iniubong Umoren whose unfortunate story has spread like wildfire. It is disheartening that a promising girl-child with so much life, energy and the will to contribute to the state and national workforce for a more productive economy had her life sniffed out for nothing but evil, penchant and ungodly deeds. I condemn this totally and join the voice of thousands of women to ask that full justice prevails without any form of cover-up. Our women should be protected, loved and cared for; and not victimized. While sending my heartfelt condolences to the family, I call on the Government of Akwa Ibom State to handle the case with kid gloves.

INSECURITY

It is no longer news that we have been noted globally and rated as the country with the worse case of insurgency, kidnap and victimization in the history of West Africa and our school children abduction story makes our matter even worse than has been recorded in recent times. Even more, the spate of military killings, farmer-herdsmen clashes resulting in the gruesome deaths of our productive population; religious intolerance leading to unending cold murder of Christian leaders in the northeast have all risen to the roof of our necks with unbearable painful distaste especially as our leaders continue to keep a deafening silence.

It was this silence which led to the staging of the #EndSARS protest last year against the brutality of the Police which sadly led to the death of innocent Nigerians whose only crime was the demand for a fair Nigeria. We recall painfully that the agitation which was later hijacked by hoodlums led to the death of one of our beloved members from Uyo Central Diocese who was returning from a meeting of the Church, Hon. Iniobong Lyons whom we're still grieving yet, we have not moved even an inch from where we were; our graduates are still littering the streets in search of menial jobs, men of the force are still victimizing those they are supposed to protect and governance has only turned worse. Recently, the tables seem to have turned; Police Stations are now being burnt down, officers murdered without a care while vandalism takes the centre stage. We now live in perpetual fear of the unknown as no one knows what would happen next. Our government must be awake to ensure that the labours of our heroes past are not in vain.

EDUCATION

Our education system has rather than improved, declined alarmingly in quality, moral instruction and result. It is saddening that the education offered in our schools and institutions cannot prepare our graduates in character and learning as required to function appropriately in respective offices.

AGRICULTURE

As a result of the occasional clashes between farmers and herdsmen, the farm produce gotten from the northeast has reduced thus, causing an increment in the prices of the little available once. Invariably, the final consumer is left with no option but to buy at whatever price they are given. This is why 2 cups of garri is being sold for N200 and Rice, N180; not to mention food items like yam, tomatoes, potato, onion and etc. Let me commend Governor Udom Emmanuel for his strides in the Agricultural sector which has boosted the activities of farmers in the state. I’ll however advocate that more should be done to quell the high cost of locally produced consumables in the State.

POVERTY

For a society where the need to purchase is greater than the means to purchase, it only points to the fact that the average Nigerian does not care about balancing his/her diet with the basic nutrients required but is more concerned about satisfying his/her hunger. As such, our people eat, fall sick and die of malnourishment and hunger.

HEALTH

Our health facilities are also a total failure else, our ruling elites would not run outside the shores of our country to seek medical attention when they can use the facilities they have so “improved” back home. Many health facilities around us are neither manageable nor functional due to poor funding. Our education system had long sagged and our legal system has become a commodity for the highest bidder.

EMPOWERMENT

We hear of this daily yet have felt it. Although there are testimonies of these empowerments, the question is, how is it done to ensure an even distribution? These are all questions begging for answers. Let me also commend the Governor of Akwa Ibom State for his conscious efforts at ensuring that youths of the State are empowered from time to time with intellectual skills and trainings for self-dependence and economic growth; while calling on the Federal Government to be more concise, fair and transparent with empowerment processes.

RECOMMENDATIONS

While we pray for a better Nigeria which we have always done, our leaders should for once come to the consciousness that they were elected or appointed by people who expect some sort of responsible action from them.

Nigeria is currently in dire need of security so our school, community, churches and borders should be fortified. It is high time government laid its feet firm against our antagonists and those who steal our joy and peace by raiding our communities, killing our men of valour and displacing us. Nigeria should be made to be a safe heaven for peaceful coexistence, development and harmony.

I strongly recommend the establishment of remedial security agencies and vigilante groups in each community/state, as exemplified by the Western and Eastern States of Nigeria. This is to prevent the daily invasion of our communities by "unknown" assailants and gunmen some of whom are disguised as men of the Police Force or the Nigerian Army. It's high time we stopped leaving our security in the hands of strangers rather, the people protecting our communities and borders should be those we know and can trust.

Our lives should be made to matter as enshrined in our constitution. Our youths must be listened to, aided and guided to shine their lights beyond boundaries. Our leaders must come to that point where they can also see that there is more to governance than politics and power. Things must be made to work and not faked to work else, we will remain in this gloom God forbid, forever.
But we will begin to chart the course of a new Nigeria when we heed these advices.

CONCLUSION

Gentlemen of the Press, members of the Church, friends and fellow Nigerians; the times are apparently unfriendly. As such, I urge you all to take security as your personal business. We must be vigilant and conscious of happenings around us, while ensuring to stay away from vices, ungodly deeds and unnecessary arguments even on social media with those we think we know. This is because the heart of man has become more sinister than ever.

We must not forget that heaven only helps those who help themselves so, we must take time to avoid certain “mistakes”.

Finally, there is no better time to activate our prayer life than this. Inasmuch as we have been praying before now, we must never relent in interceding for our State and Nation; our leaders across levels and our youths.
I share in the belief of a better Nigeria and I know that all of this will pass away. With God, all things shall be possible.

Thank You!
His Eminence, Dr Emmanuel Josiah Udofia
Primate of the African Church