Archbishop Chukwuma tasks FG on winning, ending war against Boko Haram, insurgency, others

By Stanley Nwanosike
Enugu, Jan. 8, 2023

Most Rev. Emmanuel Chukwuma, Anglican Archbishop of Enugu, has tasked the Federal Government on winning and ending the war against Boko Haram, other forms of insurgency, banditry, corruption and oil theft.

Chukwuma gave the task on Sunday while delivering his homily at the Thanksgiving Service to mark 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Week at the Cathedral Church of the Good Shepherd, Enugu.

The cleric noted that it took the military three years to end the civil war, but that the Boko Haram war has lingered longer with its negative consequences on the country.

According to him, “we have lost fighting men, who their wives are widows today; we have lost huge resources and our people are displaced in large numbers due to the Boko Haram war.

“Today, insurgency, armed bandits and other forms of negative elements have continued to disturb various parts of the country; thus, making the people to feel insecure in their localities.

“Corruption among politicians and public office holders remains on the increase and they are stealing in mind blowing manner.

“Added to all these is the recent oil theft that nearly brought government earnings to zero and subjected the country and her government to keep borrowing to remain afloat.

“In all these, I sincerely believe the Federal Government, through our gallant military and exercising will-power, can win and end all these wars, if we are committed and sincere to deal with them head long,” he said.

Chukwuma noted that Nigerians want rest and peace from the myriad of challenges that have confronted them all these years.

“This is why we are earnestly praying and calling for a New Nigeria, that Nigerians can call home and where they will feel secure.

“The forthcoming general elections remain critical to achieving this and returning the nation to its lost glory,” he said.

The Archbishop, however, urged politicians to live exemplary lives like Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe and other first generation politicians.

He congratulated the Nigerian Legion, serving personnel of the armed forces, their wives as well as widows of fallen heroes for all their sacrifices to the nation.

Maj.-Gen. Umar Musa, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Enugu, said “the thanksgiving service is necessary to remember our fallen heroes, who fought gallantly and paid the ultimate sacrifice for the country”.

Musa, who was represented by Brig.-Gen. James Bambur, urged the serving officers and men to continue to serve selflessly with dedication and patriotism.

“Those we are remembering today have served gallantly and left; and I pray that we currently in service will serve and one day leave the stage for others,” he said.

Dr Emeka Igwesi, the Assistant Commandant General (ACG) of Nigerian Legion, Enugu State, said that the thanksgiving was to appreciate God for His mercies towards the fallen heroes, living heroes, widows of fallen heroes, their children and serving armed forces personnel.

“Sincerely speaking, the Federal Government has been paying the pension of retired armed forces personnel as when due without any hitch.

“We must commend President Muhammadu Buhari for this feat,” he said.