Methodist Bishop: Nigeria Has Declined 64 Years After Independence

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Bishop Ibrahim Chindo of the Methodist Diocese of Kano has expressed deep regret over the state of Nigeria, 64 years after gaining independence.

In his address at the Diocesian conference, themed “Arise and Build,” Bishop Chindo highlighted the deterioration that has occurred over the years.

“Our founding fathers had great hopes and aspirations for Nigeria,” he stated.

According to the Methodist church cleric, “They believed that our nation with its vast human and natural resources would become a shining example in Africa and the world. However, since gaining independence, we have experienced a significant decline.”

Bishop Chindo expressed concern that many leaders have deviated from the principles of integrity and righteousness. He pointed out that after gaining independence, Nigeria faced various challenges such as corruption, nepotism, tribalism, and religious favoritism. Unfortunately, these issues have persisted and worsened over the past 64 years.

Further according to him, “Today, our citizens live in fear and uncertainty. Criminal elements such as terrorists, kidnappers, bandits, and herdsmen have become a constant threat. The security forces seem overwhelmed, and innocent lives are being lost.”

The bishop shared a distressing incident where a father had to resort to crowdfunding to pay ransom for his kidnapped daughters, with one of them tragically losing her life.

He also highlighted the plight of farmers who are forced to pay levies and taxes to criminals in order to access their own lands.

It is evident that the government has failed in its duty to protect its citizens, leaving them vulnerable to lawlessness, he said.

He noted that “Nigeria is currently facing severe economic challenges. Inflation is at an all-time high, pushing many citizens below the poverty line. The devaluation of the Naira against the US Dollar has led to skyrocketing prices of essential goods, making them unaffordable for most people.

“These are just a few examples of the deteriorating living conditions in our country. We are on the brink of a crisis, yet the political elite seem indifferent to the suffering of the people. They continue to enjoy wealth while the majority endure poverty.”

Bishop Chindo believes that the root cause of these problems lies in the absence of God in the hearts of Nigeria’s leaders. He called upon them to repent and reorient their governance around God’s teachings.

By embracing God as the foundation of their leadership, Bishop Chindo believes Nigeria can experience transformation and upliftment for its people.

“This is a wake-up call for our leaders,” Bishop Chindo concluded. “They must prioritize God and lead with love and compassion. Only then can we overcome our challenges and bring about the prosperity and well-being that Nigerians deserve,” the senior cleric stated.