The Most Rev. Emmanuel Chukwuma, Emeritus Archbishop of the Anglican Archdiocese of Enugu, has issued a heartfelt Christmas message calling on political leaders across Nigeria to declare a state of emergency on poverty.
In his statement on Wednesday in Enugu, Archbishop Chukwuma emphasized the urgent need to address the scourge of poverty, which he described as the root cause of hunger and desperation. He lamented the recent tragic stampedes at palliative distribution centers across the country, which claimed several lives and exposed the nation’s deep-seated socioeconomic challenges.
“These unfortunate incidents, which have resulted in the loss of scores of lives, are a profound embarrassment to us as a nation and as individuals,” he said. “I extend my heartfelt condolences to the affected families and communities. This is a wake-up call for urgent national action, from the grassroots to the Presidency, to rescue our people from the clutches of poverty and hunger.”
The archbishop expressed sorrow over the bleak realities many Nigerians face this Christmas. For countless families, he said, the season would be marked by sorrow and struggle rather than joy. He urged Christians to approach the festivities with sober reflection, mindful of the hardships plaguing the nation.
“Let this Christmas be a time for introspection,” he advised. “Draw closer to God, for Jesus Christ is coming soon to judge the world. Nigerians must love one another, set aside bitterness, and foster unity.”
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Archbishop Chukwuma also called on politicians to prioritize developmental initiatives that would uplift their constituents from poverty. He reminded them of their responsibility to address the needs of the poor and implement sustainable programs to combat hunger and improve living conditions.
His message resonates at a time when millions of Nigerians are grappling with economic hardship, heightened by inflation and unemployment. As the festive season unfolds, the cleric’s call for action serves as both a moral and political challenge to the nation’s leadership.
With poverty rates at alarming levels, Chukwuma’s plea highlights the need for a collective effort to rebuild hope and provide meaningful relief to suffering citizens. As Nigerians reflect on his message, the question remains: will the country’s leaders rise to the occasion, or will the cries for change continue to go unanswered?
