Due to insecurity, the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Diocese of Calabar, has requested the postponement of the May national population and housing census.
At its 47th Annual Synod at Wesley Cathedral in Calabar, Cross River State, the Diocese issued the call.
The 2023 Synod’s theme was “Contesting for the Faith, in light of the pervasive moral degradation and heresy in our culture.”
Most Rev. Chimezuo Nwankpa, Lay President Dame Prof. Mirinda Dosunmu, KJW, and Communique Committee Chairperson Elder Offiong Unoh signed the communiqué.
“Taking into consideration the high level of insecurity in the country, where some areas are being occupied by “Boko Haramists,” bandits, and other undesirable elements who visit mayhem and their reign of terror on the helpless inhabitants, it would be impossible for the enumerators to access such trouble spots,” the Synod said in its nine-point Communique.
“Synod asks for postponing the countrywide population census scheduled for May 3, 2023, until security improves.”
The Synod also criticised the high unemployment rate and exhorted the young and jobless to learn skills to overcome poverty and frustration.
The Synod also lamented the country’s poor economy and urged President Major General Muhammadu Buhari (ret.) to improve it.
The Synod sympathised with war victims and called on the Federal Government to remove its residents from conflict zones.
The Synod also urged any unhappy politicians who ran in the recent general elections to seek legal remedies rather than illegal measures.
