24 November 2007
Lagos — The Presbyterian Church of Nigeria has lauded the Federal Government for turning down the request of the United States Government to build a military outpost in Nigeria.
In a statement issued at the end of its General Assembly Executive Committee (GAEC) meeting just concluded in Aba, Abia State, the Church argued that such an outpost could pose a security risk and undermine the corporate existence of Nigeria as an independent nation. It reminded the government of the civil unrest that followed similar negotiations many years ago with regard to the Anglo-Nigeria Defence Pact and warned that these negotiations could lead to another spate of civil unrest.
The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church, The Rt. Rev. Dr. Ubon Bassey Usung, who read the communiqué, commended the Government of President Yar'adua for its respect for the separation of powers among the executive, legislative and judicial arms of government, which is helping to restore the rule of law in the country.
The Church viewed with delight the Government's refusal to interfere with the legislature as evidenced in the House Renovation scandal that recently rocked the House of Representatives. It added that this posture was good for the restoration of public confidence in the legislative and judicial arms, which in turn would strengthen the nation's democracy.
The Church also commended Yar'Adua for his commitment to electoral reforms as a result of which the Electoral Reform Committee has been inaugurated. It however stated that the major problem facing elections in the country is the "do-or-die" mindset of the political class. The Church therefore called on politicians to see elections as a divine opportunity for service in which the elected and non-elected play a complementary role in nation-building.
In the communiqué, signed by The Rt. Rev. Dr. Ubon B. Usung and the Principal Clerk of the Church, The Rev. Dr. Benebo Fubara Fubara-Manuel, the Church noted the Federal Government's provision of the sum of N69. 9 billion to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in the 2008 Budget as a step in the right direction. The amount, which shows an increase of about 300% over the figure of N24billion for 2007, is an indication of the seriousness with which the Government views the Niger Delta issue.
The Church urged the Government to ensure that the money was judiciously spent in the provision of basic amenities that will elevate the living standard of the people of the area. It also called on the various pressure groups in the area to shun violence and engage in constructive dialogue in resolving the Niger Delta crisis.
The Church viewed with concern the present university admissions system in the country in which our youths pass through stringent and financially demanding tests and yet many of them who satisfy admission requirements are left without admissions. It blames this on inadequate and obsolete infrastructure in the Universities, inadequate academic staff, low level of funding and irregularities by University authorities. The Church called on the Government to look into this issue to ensure that all qualified admission candidates are given places in order to stem the rising incidence of youth restiveness.
On the energy sector, the Church commended the Federal Government's efforts to attract a $50 billion investment aimed at achieving 50, 000 megawatts of electricity in the country within the next five to ten years. The Church expressed belief that if properly handled, the energy sector could achieve a success story similar to that of the telecommunications industry within the affordable means of the average Nigerian.
The Church expressed goodwill to all Nigerians on the occasion of the approaching Christmas season, which commemorates the birth of "our Lord Jesus Christ."
It called on Nigerians to reflect on the birth and work for Jesus Christ and to aspire to emulate Jesus' example of sacrifice and selfless service, which are the prerequisites for peace, stability and progress.
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