By Asuquo Cletus
The Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Calabar, Prof Nneoyi Egbe, has decried the worsening collapse of Nigeria’s institutional structures, lamenting that the country’s ruling elite has “pocketed government and buried institutions.”
The Bishop made the remarks while addressing journalists during in Calabar on Monday, where he also addressed issues ranging from moral decay, the role of the church in education, same-sex marriage, and the politicisation of worship altars.
According to Bishop Egbe, Nigeria began its slide into chaos the moment government took over mission schools from churches. “The war in Nigeria started when the government took over schools built and run by churches. That’s when morality was driven out of education,” he said.
He emphasised that the Anglican church’s mission is to raise children who are intellectually sound and morally upright. “We want to bring up children who are balanced intellectually and in character. What we are seeing today in universities is disturbing. In civilized nations, if someone behaves contrary to the moral expectations of their certificate, that certificate is withdrawn. But not here,” he lamented.
On national governance, Egbe said many appointees and public servants have failed to uphold the ethics of their offices. “In Nigeria, we continue to reward mediocrity. No Vice Chancellor will withdraw the certificate of anyone, no matter how badly they behave. That shows how far we’ve fallen.”
He also took a firm stance on LGBTQ matters, saying the position of the Church of Nigeria remains unchanged. “We do not condemn people, but we will not compromise doctrine. Marriage is between a man and a woman. We do not allow same-sex practices in our church because the word of God has not changed,” he stated.
Addressing the involvement of politicians in religious spaces, the clergy warned that the church is not a political podium. “We will not allow politicians to hijack the pulpit. Some politicians cannot be trusted with a microphone. If they start talking politics, our media team will turn off the mic,” he warned.
While acknowledging that all humans may have political leanings, he insisted that the church must remain non-partisan. “I have never told my congregation who to vote for. I vote my conscience, and I encourage others to do the same.”
On allegations that some churches tolerate gender-based violence, the Bishop expressed dismay and called for responsible intervention. “No woman should be told to endure abuse in marriage. If someone comes to the church with a complaint, we must handle it with care and justice.”
He also highlighted the church’s growing investment in education, scholarship programmes, and agriculture as part of its commitment to nation-building. “We are training both pastors and students. It’s costly, but necessary. We’ve already awarded scholarships and will continue to do so.”
Speaking on national security and immigration, he criticized the laxity of Nigeria’s borders. “We should not allow anyone into this country without knowing who they are and why they’re here. That’s part of our problem today.”
On the judiciary, Bishop Egbe described the justice system as being in emergency mode. “There is no hope of justice and equity anymore. What we call justice is now based on sentiment, not process. That’s why Nigeria is where it is.”
He concluded by urging the church to continue its prophetic voice while staying rooted in scripture and service. “We are not here to serve politicians or trends. We are here to serve God and raise a new kind of leader for this country.”
