Amichi Anglican Synod Calls for Immediate Leadership Change in Nigeria

By Chimaobi Nwaiwu

The Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Diocese of Amichi, has called for an urgent change of leadership in Nigeria, warning that any government unable to guarantee the security and welfare of its citizens has “lost purpose, legality, usefulness, and continuity.”

This stance was articulated in the presidential address delivered by Bishop Ephraim Ikeakor of the Amichi Diocese during the Third Session of the Sixth Synod, held at St James’ Anglican Church in Azigbo, Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The Synod, which drew more than 30 bishops from across Nigeria—including the Archbishop of the Province of the Niger, Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim—centered on the theme: “Fight the good fight of faith: An imperative for all Christians, now or never.”

Bishop Ikeakor condemned the worsening security situation in Nigeria, citing ongoing killings, kidnappings and violence in states such as Benue, Plateau, Borno, Zamfara, Kaduna, Kogi, Imo, Ebonyi, Enugu, Anambra, Oyo and Ondo.

He argued that the constitutional duty of the government, as outlined in Section 14(2)(b) of the Nigerian Constitution, is to ensure the security and welfare of the people, and that any administration failing in this duty has no justification to remain in office.

According to the bishop, the rising insecurity has led Nigerians to question the legitimacy and effectiveness of governance in the country.

He also condemned political leaders who, in his view, have failed to fulfill campaign promises made during the 2023 elections but are now seeking re‑election in 2027. He described such politicians as “reprobate‑minded” and accused them of lacking compassion for citizens, urging Nigerians to reject them at the polls.

Bishop Ikeakor further lamented the state of national development, alleging a collapse in key sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, justice and the economy. He criticised the handling of insecurity, describing the system as “woefully failed” in protecting lives and property.

He said Nigeria’s deteriorating economic conditions have pushed millions into multidimensional poverty, arguing that many citizens are now focused on survival rather than meaningful livelihood.

The bishop also faulted the political class for what he described as the weaponisation of poverty and the deepening of ethnic and religious divisions for political gain.

Referencing Nigeria’s founding challenges, he invoked Chinua Achebe’s *There Was a Country*, stating that the nation’s current realities reflect a deep national crisis.

Bishop Ikeakor urged Nigerians, especially young people, to participate actively in elections and ensure their votes count, insisting that meaningful change remains possible through democratic engagement.

He concluded that Nigeria urgently needs a new direction in leadership to avert further decline and restore public trust in governance.

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