Anglican church asks Buhari to diversify economy

The Diocese of Badagry, Church of Nigeria, (Anglican Communion) has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to diversify the economy to reduce dependence on oil.

The church said the new administration must tackle corruption “as a matter of urgency”.

These were contained in a communiqué issued at the second session of its fourth synod held at the Cathedral Church of St. Thomas, Badagry.

The communique, which was signed by the Lord Bishop, Diocese of Badagry, Rt. Rev. Babatunde Adeyemi; the Chancellor Justice; S.O Hunponu-Wusu, and Lay Secretary, Mrs O. A. Akinliba, said the new administration must also pay attention to the problem of power.

It said, “The synod observed that the state of the economy is very poor and recommended a diversification to other sources of revenue such as agriculture and solid minerals. Over-dependence on crude oil should be discouraged as any fall in price affects the economy.

“Power generation should be improved on by harnessing other sources of energy such as solar, coal, wind, etc. Prepaid meters should be installed for use by households to ensure that users pay only for the energy they consume.”

On the last general elections, the church lauded the Independent National Electoral Commission for its successes, adding that there should be improvements on the use of card readers.

The synod also commended former President Goodluck Jonathan for demonstrating statesmanship by conceding defeat and prayed for the Holy Spirit to lead President Buhari “so as to deliver the dividends of democracy to all Nigerians regardless of tribe and religion.”

The church urged Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, to continue with projects initiated by his predecessor, such as the 10-lane Lagos-Badagry expressway, adding that most communities in Badagry needed access roads.

It congratulated Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, and urged him to repair the network of roads in the Igbesa and Agbara areas, as well as the Ado-Odo-Mowo road.

The church condemned acts of terrorism around the world, including those perpetrated by Boko Haram, and decried the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa, describing them as “irresponsible and wicked”.