Enugu Anglican Synod Lampoons FG Over Non- completion Of Eastern Rail Line
The Anglican Diocese of Enugu (Anglican Communion) has lampooned the Federal Government over its failure to complete the Eastern Rail line starting from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri, describing the development as detrimental to the economy and welfare of southesterners.
...urges INEC to guarantee level playing field
The Anglican Diocese of Enugu (Anglican Communion) has lampooned the Federal Government over its failure to complete the Eastern Rail line starting from Port Harcourt to Maiduguri, describing the development as detrimental to the economy and welfare of southesterners.
The Church spoke in a communique' shortly after it's third session of its 19th Synod, just as it also raised concerns over the political atmosphere ahead of the 2026 elections, urging the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to ensure a level playing field for all political parties and candidates to safeguard the credibility of the elections.
The communiqué was jointly signed by the Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Rt. Rev. Prof. Samuel Obiajulu Ike, Prof. Offornze Amucheazi, Rev. Canon (Dr) Ifeanyi Agu and Paulson Egbo,
The Church further lamented that, the Eastern Rail Line had remained a "pipe dream" despite repeated promises by successive federal administrations.
"The Synod frowns at the delay in completing the Eastern Rail Line (Port Harcourt–Maiduguri) project, which has remained a pipe dream, and calls on the Federal Government to expedite action to alleviate the suffering of the people.
"The Synod expresses displeasure at the overheating of the polity by politicians and urges political parties to play according to the rules. It also calls on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a level playing field for all political parties and their candidates.
"The Anglican Diocese of Enugu declares zero tolerance to Gender-Based Violence. Any leader or person, whether clergy or laity, found liable to GBV shall face immediate canonical discipline, including counselling, suspension or defrocking, and referral to civil authorities (for prosecution) where appropriate," the communiqué read in part.
The Church noted that reviving the rail corridor would boost economic activities, improve transportation, reduce the cost of moving goods and people, as well as enhance regional integration.
On the political situation, the Synod expressed displeasure over what it described as the overheating of the polity by politicians, warning that inflammatory rhetoric and disregard for electoral rules could undermine peaceful and credible elections.
It also, asked political parties to conduct their activities within the confines of the law and urged INEC to discharge its constitutional responsibilities responsibly and impartially, just as it
further urged eligible Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs, and actively participate in the 2026 elections, insisting that citizens' participation remains crucial to deepening democracy and ensuring accountable leadership.
On Gender Based Violence, Bishop Obiajulu, later explained that the policy of the Church was rooted in the Christian belief that every human being is created in God's image and therefore deserves dignity, safety and respect.
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