Primate Advocates New Constitution For Nigeria
Barikui Felix, Port Harcourt
The Archbishop, Metropolitan, and Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, The Most Revd Dr Henry C Ndukuba, has advocated for a newly drafted national constitution created by the citizens of various ethnic nationalities of the country to address the fundamental issues necessary for the peace, growth, and unity of the country.
The Primate made the call during his Primatial Address at the 2025 Church of Nigeria Standing Committee meeting, which was held on Wednesday, February 19th, 2025, at St Cyprians Anglican Church, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Speaking on some national issues, starting with the security challenges in the country, the Most Revd Dr Ndukuba decried the wanton destruction of lives and property of Nigerians in some parts of the country, calling on the federal government to put in place adequate mechanisms to tackle the hydra-headed insecurity seen in the nation.
He advised the federal government to establish modalities for the establishment of a National Reconciliation Commission to address the factionalization among the various religion, ethnic, and sociopolitical groups and ensure the industrialisation of Nigeria, with particular attention to agro-industries to enhance food security and employment opportunities for the Nigerian youth.
The Primate noted that the lives of every Nigerian matter to God irrespective of their religion, tribe, or class. He encouraged them to stand firm, as God would turn around Nigeria’s captivity as a nation.
On the theme of the first edition of the 2025 Church of Nigeria Standing Committee Meeting, “The Bond of Peace: The Core of the Life and Ministry of the Church,” the Primate urged Christians to shun division, acrimony, and backstabbing and ensure the church’s unity and progress.
On his part, the Dean of the Church of Nigeria and Archbishop, Ecclesiastical Province of Niger Delta, Most Rev’d Dr. Blessing Chinyere Enyindah called for support of the church of Nigeria to establish an Anglican-owned tertiary institution to be called Niger Delta Anglican University to contribute to the human resources development of the church in particular and society at large.
The Dean also commended the early missionaries, who collaborated with their forebears in faith, for their tremendous efforts to establish health care and educational institutions. He expressed gratitude to the Primate and the Church of Nigeria for the approval accorded the province to host the 2025 Standing Committee Meeting.
Earlier in his welcome address, the host Bishop, the Rt. Revd Dr. Emmanuel Oko-Jaja commended the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara for his enormous support and contributions to the Diocese in hosting the meeting.
His Lordship, however, expressed gratitude to God for granting all delegates safety from across the country to Port Harcourt, adding that Rivers State is peaceful and safe despite the negative narratives of its insecurity.
