The Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Warri, Rt. Rev. Christian Esezi Ide, has delivered a powerful message warning of Nigeria’s alarming descent into violence, poverty, and national disunity. Speaking during the 15th Synod of the Diocese at St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Warri, the Bishop decried the worsening insecurity, deteriorating economy, and rising social injustice across the nation.
Citing data from the Observatory for Religious Freedom in Africa, Bishop Ide revealed that over 55,000 Christians were killed in Nigeria between 2019 and 2023, accounting for 90% of global Christian deaths during that period. He questioned the government’s failure to protect lives and property, especially in rural communities ravaged by bandits and insurgents. “Why are those behind the killings walking free?” he asked. “Nigeria is fast becoming a land flowing with tears and blood.” He urged the Federal Government to take decisive action, reinforcing border security and collaborating with local vigilante groups to combat criminal activity. He also called for accountability, warning that the continued impunity of violent actors sends a dangerous message.
Bishop Ide stressed that Nigeria’s deeply fractured national identity along ethnic and religious lines must be addressed through genuine reconciliation and constitutional reform. He advocated for a new civilian-led Constitution that reflects the voices and realities of Nigeria’s diverse ethnic nationalities, rather than merely amending the current military-imposed document. He commended President Bola Tinubu’s creation of Regional Development Commissions but suggested the establishment of a National Reconciliation Commission to address longstanding grievances across regions and bring lasting unity.
Speaking on Nigeria’s economic challenges, the Bishop lamented rising inflation, spiraling foreign debt, and the collapse of purchasing power. He noted that policies like the floating of the naira and fuel subsidy removal have plunged more Nigerians into poverty, rather than offering relief. He welcomed the launch of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) in Kaduna, urging the government to ensure its full implementation without policy reversal. He emphasized the need for mechanized agriculture, solid minerals development, and industrialization to combat youth unemployment and food insecurity.
Highlighting Nigeria’s poor healthcare indices, Bishop Ide noted that the nation’s average life expectancy remains at just 54 years. He criticized the Federal Government’s meager 5.18% allocation to health in the 2025 budget—well below the 15% Abuja Declaration commitment. He also raised alarm over the USAID’s suspension of crucial health programme funding, including for HIV/AIDS, maternal and child health, and malaria, warning of dire consequences for millions of vulnerable Nigerians. He urged the government to prioritize sustainable local funding and strengthen health infrastructure.
On education, he stressed the urgent need to streamline policies and remove inconsistencies, especially regarding the recent proposed shift from the 9-3-4 system to a 12-4 format. The Bishop also addressed the growing scourge of gender-based violence in Nigeria, calling for a national response to protect women, children, widows, and other vulnerable groups. He urged the government and the Church to work together to prevent abuse and bring perpetrators to justice.
Bishop Ide praised the Delta State government, led by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, for implementing its M.O.R.E. agenda, citing visible progress in infrastructure, healthcare, and urban development—especially in Warri and Effurun. However, he expressed concern over rising ethnic tensions following INEC’s re-delineation of wards in the Warri Federal Constituency. He called for calm and peaceful dialogue among the Ijaw, Itsekiri, and Urhobo communities to avoid a repeat of past conflicts. “Let us not forget that we are interwoven by history and marriage,” he said. “Any attempt to fight is like fighting one’s own kin.”
