Delivering his charge at the 2nd session of the 14th Synod of the Diocese at Emmanuel Church, Enugu, on Thursday, Chukwumah said without total implementation of the report, the 2011 general elections would not be free, fair and credible.
“In our 11 years of uninterrupted democracy, the biggest challenge confronting us as a nation is the task of conducting free, fair and acceptable elections.
“It seems that the political practitioners are very reluctant to embrace genuine democratic practice as it might jeopardise their chances of remaining in power.
“Democracy can only thrive if representatives of the people and government derive their mandate from the people,’’ he said.
0n security, he said the growing trend in kidnap and criminal activities portrayed the country as insecure, leading to migration of expatriates as well as denying the nation the much needed foreign investments.
Chukwumah recommended the pursuit of socio-economic development to reduce unemployment, poverty and deprivation. Speaking on the theme of the Synod, “Salt of the Earth and Light of the World: The Impact,’’ the Bishop challenged the clergy and laity to eradicate poverty through job creation.
The cleric also said that inauguration, dedication and laying of foundation stones for various projects were carried out.
He said within the eight Anglican dioceses in Enugu State, 17 secondary schools and 130 primary schools were handed over to the church.
Chukwumah said the list of schools omitted in the initial handover applications were being collated for presentation to government.
“Of the schools mentioned, six secondary and 19 primary schools were handed back to Enugu Diocese,’’ he said.
He also said the diocese inaugurated chapels at Enugu Prisons, Psychiatric Hospital and Park Lane Hospital while land was acquired at the Police Headquarters for the building of a chapel. (NAN)
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