Prelate demands overhaul of security apparatus

The 46th Biennial Conference of Methodist Church Nigeria ended on Friday with of the participants calling on the Federal Government to overhaul the nation’s security apparatus and ensure the release of Leah Sharibu without further delay.

Leah has been in the captivity of Boko Haram members for refusing to renounce her Christian faith.

She was among students abducted by terrorist in Yobe State in 2017.

The six-point communiqué jointly issued by the prelate of the church Dr. Samuel Kanu Uche and secretary of the conference Dr. Michael Akinwale, at the end of the week-long event in Aba, called for the creation of state police, restructuring of the country security and the economy.

Briefing newsmen at the church auditorium, the prelate Dr. Uche observed that the conference examined the state of the nation at its biennial conference with the theme “Strive for peace and holiness” Heb. 12:14.

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According to him, restructuring of the country has become imperative because of economic, social and political challenges arising from insecurity.  On security, he observed that life should remain sacrosant noting that the conference condemned, in strong terms, the mindless killing citizens and destruction of properties, just as he said the Federal Government should for the overhaul its security apparatus and create state police. Apart from demanding financial autonomy for local government, the prelate said the conference urged the Federal Government to uphold the principle of separation of powers as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution, and condemned the invasion of the recent National Assembly by the Directorate of State Service (DSS).

While urging Nigerians of 18 years and above to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), the clergy commended the government for signing into law, the bill allowing young persons to run for elative offices.