The Lagos West Diocese of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion has called for true fiscal federal structure while also lamenting the state of insecurity in Nigeria.
The diocese made the call in a communique made available to Church Times at the end of the 1st session of its 8th Synod with the theme More than conqueror.
In the two-page document signed by the Clerical Synod Secretary, Ven Kayode Oredugba, Lay Synod Secretary, Mrs. Teju Akindolire, and Rev Dr. Olusola Odedeji, President of Synod and Bishop, Diocese of Lagos West the Synod decried Nigeria’s deteriorating economy.
L-R Hon Justice Baba Sola Ogunade, Chancellor of the Diocese, Mr. Tayo Ayinde, representative of Lagos State gov, host and President of Synod, Rt Rev Dr Olusola Odedeji, his wife Lydia, Chief Olusegun Osunkeye and Rt Rev Babatunde Adeyemi at the Synod
Synod: High cost of living has social consequence
It noted that “prices of goods and services are galloping daily, making life unbearable for most of the citizenry.”
It then warned that a “continuation of such unacceptable situation may have grave and irreversible social consequences.”
The Synod then urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to urgently reverse the current economic structure in Nigeria whereby the Federal Government takes most of the revenue while sharing the rest with the thirty-six States and the Local Government.
The diocese’s Synod said this sharing formula has reduced the States and the Local Government areas to a beggarly position.
While noting that every region in Nigeria is blessed with natural resources, the Synod called for “true fiscal federalism in Nigeria where the federating units are encouraged to exploit resources within their respective units.”
The Synod also called for an urgent reduction in the cost of governance in the country by the fusion of the multifarious Ministries, Departments & Agencies (MDAs).
Abolish bogus Legislative system
It also called for the abolition of the extravagant bicameral legislative system at the Federal level and for an equitable reward system for elected government officials.
The governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwoolu also got a special mention for the way he tackled the menace of the COVID-19 pandemic in the State.
The communique reads in part, “The Synod notes with commendation that despite the devastating effect of COVID-19 and the EndSARS protest, through the grace of God together with the dogged and visionary drive of the Governor, the State has continued to witness more developmental projects and infrastructure, especially in transportation.”
While expressing grave concern on the state of insecurity the Church council lent its weight to the increased call for a ban on open grazing of cattle in Nigeria.
It commended the initiative behind regional security outfits in the country while also calling for the amendment of the constitution to allow for the establishment of State Police forces.
It also urged the state governors to be proactive and use their security votes to serve and protect the people.
