The Primate of Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, has called on the Federal Government to shield its citizenry from all forms of attacks.
Okoh made the call on Friday in Abuja during the consecration of three new Bishops and presentation of Archbishops at the Anglican Cathedral Church of St. Bartholomew, Kubwa Abuja.
The primate noted that the reality on ground indicated that government still needed to do more to instill confidence on the citizens.
“Nigerians should insist that the government fulfills its social contract with the people to protect their lives and properties.
“It is the responsibility of the people in power to protect its citizens; if there is a breach of security, we cry to government.
“If is not done, it is the fault of government, if it’s done the people will rejoice,” he said.
He charged the newly-consecrated bishops to live up to expectation and advised them to be wary of both politicians and their followers.
He urged them to concentrate more on their spiritual lives for the maximum spiritual benefit of the people.
The cleric advised the newly-consecrated bishops not to be carried away by material wealth but to keep fighting the good fight of faith.
He, however, urged them to always speak for the voiceless, the oppressed and downtrodden without minding the cost.
Okoh urged the bishops to become vessels for the development of the body and soul of Anglican faithful.
He advised them to build on existing partnership between the church and the government to ensure societal development.
The primate also enjoined them to be Apostles to proclaim Christ’s resurrection and interpret the gospel, and testify to Christ’s sovereignty as Lord of lords and King and kings.
“You are called to be the guard of the faith, unity and the discipline of the church, to celebrate and to provide for the administration of the Sacraments of the new covenant, to ordain Priests and Deacons.’’
The primate, who prayed for the new Bishops, asked God to “fill them with the grace and power which you gave to your apostles that they may lead those committed to their charge in proclaiming the gospel of salvation.
“Through them increase your church, renew its ministry, and unite its members in a holy fellowship of truth and love.
“Enable them as true shepherd to feed and govern your flock, make them wise teachers and steadfast as guardians of its faith and Sacraments”.
The newly-consecrated bishops are Bishop Geoffrey Ekpenisi, Bishop of Ika Diocese in Delta; Bishop Chukwuma Oparah, Bishop of Owerri Diocese, Imo and Bishop Jezreel Vandeh, Bishop of Zaki Biam Diocese, Benue.