The Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) on Tuesday accused government anti-corruption agencies of increasingly becoming corrupt instead of stemming the tide of corruption.
The Church also accused the Nigerian Army of failing to deal with the menace of insurgents which has continued to bedevil the country for over a decade now.
COCIN wondered if it should conclude that Nigeria is a failed state considering the government’s failure to protect lives and properties which has led to abductions and kidnappings.
This was disclosed by COCIN President, Rev. Dachollom Datiri while speaking at the Church’s 98th General Church Council in Jos, the Plateau State Capital.
Datiri said, “Corruption has continued to become increasingly endemic in this country under the watch of this government. Even the anti-corruption agencies are becoming increasingly corrupt themselves.
“Is our situation gone beyond redemption? He asked.
“Government must sit up before this monster consumes us.
He urged Christians to lead the fight against corruption, stressing that it will destroy the country if not adequately checked.
On the fight against insurgency, the COCIN President said, “Boko Haram has continued to cause havoc in Borno and other parts of the country. “It is hard to believe that the Nigerian Army has failed to deal with this menace all these years.
“The government must stop playing politics with the precious lives of Nigerians.
According to him, “If the United States forces can come into the shores of this country, rescue their citizen, kill six of the captors and left one alive as an exhibit, then something is really wrong with the Nigerian government and troops”.
Datiri also lamented the abduction of clergy over a month ago, saying, “Very sadly, Rev. Polycarp Zongo is right now into his fifth week in the hands of Khalifa troops. This has caused us so much trauma and stress, and it is hard to imagine what is happening to him or what is going on in his mind.
“His wife and family are devastated; we must sustain and intensify prayers for his release”, he admonished.
“We are beginning to hear demands of a huge amount as ransom; we call on the government to step in and raise the money needed as the protection of lives is the responsibility of government; the Church cannot raise such amount of money even in a whole year”.
