By, Godwin Okeh Abakaliki 

The Archdiocesan Bishop of Methodist Church, Archdiocese of Ebonyi, His Grace Most Rev. Chikwendu Ogan Igwe has condemned in totality the spate of insecurity and killings of innocent citizens, especially in Plateau, Benue and some part of Ebonyi State.

Igwe, however, called on governments at all levels and wealthy personalities in Nigeria to rise and use their privileged positions to impact on the poor and less privileged in the society.

The Archdiocesan Bishop, Igwe made this known in a communiqué signed by him and the Archdiocesan Lay President, Onwe Sunday Onwe and issued to newsmen in Abakaliki, shortly after the end of the 31st annual synod of the diocese of Abakaliki, held at the cathedral of the holy Trinity, Ebonyi State.

The synod, however commended the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu for citing the coastal Roads that passed through Ebonyi State, adding that the roads will encourage economic development and ease of transport and communication in the area.

He equally applauded the governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru for  his intervention in communal clashes in some areas of the state, especially in Effium/Ezza Effium, Amasiri/Edda, Amangwu/Isinkwo and encouraged him not to relent in restoration of total peace in the entire State.

The eleven points communique reads in part: “The Synod encouraged the governor, Francis Nwifuru not to relent in the restoration of total peace in the entire State and also praise  his administration for human capital development he exhibits through the people charter of needs which Methodist Church has also benefited from, before and especially during the inauguration of the Archdiocese of Ebonyi.

“The Synod affirmed that Methodist Church Nigeria has risen to their responsibilities of not only praying for the state and Nigeria, the

 Citizens and especially leaders at all levels but also to contribute their quota in addressing issues of concern where necessary.

“The assembly called for attitudinal change of sacrificial giving and faithful tithing, aggressive evangelism, health services, welfare of workers and other spiritual infrastructural development of the Diocese to achieve a better result.

“The synod called on the leaders to cultivate good relationships with God as in the case of Mary and Martha in order to attract God’s intervention in the present unstable economic downturn of the Nation.

“The Synod condemned the spate of insecurity pervading the entire Nation especially the recent killings in Plateau, Benue and some part of Ebonyi State and advised that leadership at all levels should arise to tackle these threats to lives and properties.

“In the face of the uncertainty in our present society, insecurity, hunger, poverty and hardships, the Synod enjoined the general public to allow the resurrection power of Christ to drive their faith to Christ’s redemptive work. 

“The Synod called on the general public and youths in particular to shun all   forms of social vices, such as cultism, ritual killings, drug abuse, sexual immorality and illicit masquerading especially among the Christendom” the communiqué noted.

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The Vatican on Friday announced that Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration will take place on May 18 with a mass in St. Peter’s Square, following his election to succeed Pope Francis.

The ceremony is to take place at 10a.m (0800 GMT) May 18 at the Vatican.

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was announced as the first U.

The new pope is set to keep Francis’ top employees in the Vatican in place for the time being, the Holy See said.

The first of his weekly general audiences is planned for May 21. (dpa/NAN)

 Bishop Stephen Adegbite, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), has congratulated Catholics and Christians worldwide on the election of Pope Leo XIV as the 267th Pontiff of the Catholic Church.

Adegbite said this in a statement signed by Mr Celestine Toruka, the Deputy Director and Head, Media and Public Relations of NCPC on Friday in Abuja.

Toruka quoted the NCPC boss as saying “we congratulate Pope Leo XIV on his historic election as the first American to ascend the seat of St.

“We urge His Holiness to use his new role as the leader of the Catholics globally to preach peace and promote dialogue in addressing the myriad of societal ills plaguing humanity.

He commended the 133 cardinals for their unanimity of purpose, resilience and forthrightness in choosing the new Bishop of Rome.

He expressed appreciation to Catholics and non-Catholics alike for their fervent prayers, which he believed contributed to the smooth election of the new Pontiff.

Adegbite noted that he was particularly touched by the new pope’s inaugural speech, in which he affirmed that the Church should serve as platform for building bridges.

He added that “this is exactly what the world needs now. We wish Pope Leo XIV good health of mind and body to carry out his apostolic duties.

“We pray that the Good Lord will grant him the grace to take the Catholic Church and all Christians to a higher pedestal of spirituality.”(NAN)