Abuja: Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called on religious leaders and faith-based institutions to intensify prayers to help rebuild the nation’s social fabric amid growing moral decadence and insecurity in the country. Jonathan gave the advice during the First Session of the 13th Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Abuja held at St. James Anglican Church, Asokoro, Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Jonathan lamented the declining value placed on human life and the rising level of violence and immorality in society. Reflecting on the current state of the nation, the former president, while addressing bishops, delegates, and worshippers, said the society had become increasingly troubling and complex. He expressed concern over the erosion of moral values, particularly among young people, citing incidences of cult-related violence in schools and campuses.
Jonathan commended religious leaders for their continuous intercessory prayers for Nigeria, stressing that the country could have been in a far worse condition if not for the role of the Church and other faith-based institutions. He blamed the negative influence of social media and excessive exposure to harmful content for worsening moral decline among youths, despite the positive opportunities technology provides.
The Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, Archbishop, Primate of All Nigeria and Bishop of Abuja, who presided over the synod, gave a state of the nation address. He lamented that worsening hardship and political maneuvering ahead of the 2027 general elections were distracting leaders from governance and deepening public frustration. Ndukuba decried the wave of defections across political parties and urged the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain neutral and ensure fairness in the electoral process.
On the economy, Ndukuba commended President Bola Tinubu for pursuing structural reforms in spite of the global economic pressures triggered by the Russia-Ukraine war and tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. He noted that inflation had dropped from 27.6 percent in April 2025 to 15.15 percent in December 2025 before rising slightly to 15.38 percent in March 2026, while the naira had stabilized around N1,380 to the dollar. However, he emphasized that these improvements had not translated into relief for ordinary Nigerians.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Sen. Ireti Kingibe (FCT), highlighted the church’s crucial role in building society and restoring hope in times of uncertainty. Akpabio urged believers to continue to stand as courageous voices for national peace and stability. Present at the event were former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd), former Governor of Imo, Emeka Ihedioha, and former Chief of Staff to President Jonathan, Mike Oghiadomhe, among other dignitaries.