THE Bishop of Abakaliki Diocese of the Methodist Church, Rt. Rev. Godfrey Agupusi, has cautioned President Goodluck Jonathan to ensure that the Federal Government was not endorsing violence as the only language it understands through the consideration of amnesty for Boko Haram insurgents.
The former Ebonyi State chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) also urged President Jonathan to address the problem of imbalance in the establishment of federal presence in some states like Ebonyi, saying that such lopsidedness feeds the impression of marginalisation.
Bishop Agupusi dropped these hints in Abakaliki while speaking to journalists shortly after the 19th Annual Synod of Methodist Church of Nigeria, Abakaliki Diocese at Akwurukwu Agba, in Ishielu Local Council of the state. The theme of the synod was "What if the Lord had not been on our side?"
He declared that President Jonathan should be careful about of amnesty to the Boko Haram sect since, according to him, amnesty should be considered only on the condition that those behind Boko Haram are known and dialogued with.
While noting with regret that the Boko Haram insurgents have caused havoc to the socio-economic life of the country, the Methodist prelate maintained that amnesty should be granted to any group, including Boko Haram, only when the group was ready for dialogue.
He added: "Amnesty should not be abused by Boko Haram and other groups; if the only language Nigeria (government) understands and responds to is violence; other ethnic groups should be encouraged to eschew violence so that it does not become a pattern."
In a statement issued and made available to The Guardian, the synod in its resolution called on the Ministry of Education and other relevant bodies in charge of education to intensify efforts in the areas of supervision and teachers' posting, saying "this will not only improve educational standard but also ensure that there are teachers in schools and that they are carrying out their duties properly."
Part of the statement read: "The synod appreciates the National Assembly for the revelation of the Oil Block Saga and urged them not to relent until full investigation is carried out as that is a proof of true democracy in Nigeria. We congratulate Nigerians on the centenary celebration and for staying together as one nation despite the security challenges facing the country."
The synod commended Ebonyi State Governor, Martin Elechi, on his efforts at providing dividends of democracy to the people of the state even as it urged him to do more.
