The Anglican Diocese of Gombe has decried the deepening economic hardship and rising insecurity in Nigeria, calling on both federal and state governments to urgently address the situation.
This was part of the resolutions contained in a communique issued on Monday after the end of the Second Session of the ninth Synod of the Diocese held from July 3 to 6, 2025, at Christ Anglican Church, Bambam, with the theme: “No More Condemnation for Those Who Are in Christ.”
While appreciating the spiritual significance of the Synod’s theme, the communique emphasised that true freedom from condemnation is found in Christ alone, who not only bore the consequences of sin but also destroyed its power.
The Bishop of the Diocese, Rt. Rev’d Cletus Tambari, explained that justification through Christ is God’s declaration that the demands of the law have been fulfilled in the righteousness of His Son. “Believers must not be ashamed to testify about Christ,” the Bishop said, “but rather join in the suffering of sharing and living the gospel by the power of God.”
The Synod condemned what it described as “untold hardship” being experienced by Nigerians, which it attributed to several recent government policies including the increase in the pump price of petrol, multiple taxation, and the floating of the naira. “The pain Nigerians are going through is unbearable,” the communique stated. “The government must rise to the occasion and provide relief to the common man whose purchasing power has been eroded by inflation and currency devaluation.”
The Synod expressed deep concern over persistent insecurity across the country, citing cases of banditry, kidnapping, suicide bombings, violent communal clashes, and insurgency. It offered condolences to the families of victims affected by recent floods and attacks in Niger, Benue, and Plateau states, where hundreds of lives were lost. “We stand in solidarity with the bereaved and pray for healing and restoration,” the statement read.
The communique urged the Federal Government to demonstrate fairness in governance, especially by allowing opposition elements and political parties the freedom to express their views without harassment or intimidation. It also called for comprehensive electoral reforms to improve the credibility of the 2027 general elections.
Turning attention to Gombe State, the Synod congratulated Governor Muhammadu Yahaya and his deputy, Dr Manasseh Jatau, on the second anniversary of their second term in office. It lauded the state government’s developmental achievements, including new roads—especially around the Tumfure axis—new hospitals, an ultra-modern motor park, and the completion of the Three Arms Complex comprising the State Secretariat, House of Assembly, and Judiciary Headquarters.
The Synod also appreciated the government’s support to the Anglican Diocese during its 25th anniversary celebration, and in facilitating the takeoff of the College of Nursing Sciences in Kaltungo. However, it appealed to the state government to provide more support to farmers through fertilizer distribution, farming tools, and accessible agricultural loans to boost food production.
On security within the state, the Synod noted with concern the increase in armed robbery, rape, kidnapping, drug abuse, and other crimes, and urged the government to adopt urgent and decisive measures to curb the trend.
