The Archbishop of the Enugu Province, Anglican Communion, Most Rev Emmanuel Chukwuma, has called on the current Federal Government headed by President Bola Tinubu not to engage in a selective probe of the immediate past administration. According to him, the probe should be thorough and all-encompassing.
Upon assuming office, President Tinubu ordered the removal of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, as well as the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abdulrasheed Bawa. Both of them are currently being interrogated by the Department of State Services (DSS).
Archbishop Chukwuma believes that the probe of the former President Muhammadu Buhari administration should go beyond these two officials. It is his opinion that to be taken seriously, the government must call all those who have questions to answer in regards to corruption to account.
In an interview with journalists shortly after his last presidential charge as the Bishop of the Enugu Diocese Anglican Communion, Chukwuma expressed his concern over the government’s removal of fuel subsidy without putting in place any measures to alleviate its effects on the masses.
“The country is in a very difficult time, and many people’s faith is being affected, particularly now that we are facing the issue of oil subsidy removal; people are suffering because of inflation, income is no longer measurable to spending,” he lamented.
Chukwuma further highlighted the high cost of fuel, food, and building materials, as well as the challenges faced in transportation, unemployment, brain drain, and the devaluation of the Naira as factors affecting the faith of the people. He encouraged them to continue in the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ and not to lose hope in the face of these difficulties.
On the issue of corruption, the Archbishop stressed the need for the government to probe the right people and not just scratch the surface. He decried the wanton embezzlement of public funds and highlighted the importance of equity, justice, love, and inclusiveness in governance. He appealed to the government to create an atmosphere of comfort by cushioning the effects of subsidy removal and ensuring that nobody is left out.
In conclusion, Archbishop Chukwuma called on Nigerians to pray for the leaders to have a servant mindset and work in the best interest of the nation. He reminded them not to lose faith in their country and to continue enduring in the face of challenges.
