Yenagoa — The recent corruption rating of the nation by Transparency International is generating concern among the First Synod of the Diocese of Western Izon, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Patani, Delta State.

As a result, the synod has urged compatriots and the government to tackle the anti-corruption war seriously.

This was contained in a communiqué issued by the Diocesan Bishop, Edafe Emamezi, and Secretary, Church Enoya, at the end of its synod at Patani, Delta State.

The church was reacting to the nation's credibility rating published by Transparency International, which brought down Nigeria from its 121st position to 130th.

According to the communiqué, "The synod felt that this would decrease only if our leaders and people shun corrupt practices, as well as, tendencies coupled with the continued devaluation of the naira, our general attitude to be unproductive, as well as increasing spate of ritual killings in our society."

The communiqué therefore urged Nigerians to have the fear of God and embrace Godliness with contentment.

"We call for the diversification of the economy; the nation's continued reliance on oil as the mainstay of its economy had become a hindrance to sustainable development," it stated.

The church however lauded the on- going sanitisation programme in the banking sector, but stood against victimization and any attempt to bring in elements of religious bias in the process.

It commended the Federal Government's amnesty programme, stressing that government should not politicize the process and urged militant groups yet to lay down their arms to do so.

"The government should intensify efforts towards re-orientation of youths; to make them positively productive, even as we condemn the continued environmental degradation from oil spillage. Government and oil and gas companies should wake up to their responsibilities," the communiqué stated.

It extolled the dynamic, purposeful and courageous leadership of the out-going Primate of all Nigeria, Rev Peter Akinola, in all the achievements recorded during his tenure both locally and internationally.