By Michael Ilaya
Bishop, Oleh Diocese, Anglican Communion, Rt. Revd. John Usiwoma Aruakpor has called on leaders and government to be specific and prioritise the welfare of the common citizens as the ultimate benchmark of governance, even as we approach the 2027 election.
The Bishop charged the christians not to leave politicking in the hands of the ungodly, but to be decisive on who controls the affairs of lives, as the future of a country depends not only on those who seek public offices, but also on the integrity, wisdom, and responsibility of every citizen, even as we approach the 2027 election.
Bishop Aruakpor gave the advice while delivering the Bishop’s Charge at the Third Session of the 9th Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Oleh held Saturday, 15 August, 2026 at St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Enhwe, Isoko South LGA, Delta State.
He urged christians to intensify prayers to help rebuild the nation’s social fabric amid growing moral decadence and insecurity in the country.
He lamented the persisting insecurity challenges confronting the country that have devalued human life, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, violent attacks on communities, communal conflicts, and other forms of criminalities bedevilling the country and have claimed many lives, displaced many and hindered national development.
Reflecting further on the current state of the nation, relating to State Police, the Rt. Revd. Aruakpor said the Church supports the establishment of State Police as a means to further strengthen the security architecture of the country.
According to him, it will bring security to the grassroots, but advised that it must be established with effective constitutional provisions to forestall political abuse, ethnic bias, intimidation of dissenting voices to the government in power, and violation of human rights.
Bishop Aruakpor, who empathises and mourns with all who lost loved ones, appealed to government at all levels and particularly the security agencies to summon the political will to step up the fight against the hydra-headed monster.
“We as a church believe that the Nation has what it takes to track the sponsors, perpetrators and surmount the security challenges and bring back normalcy to our beloved country”.
He therefore entreats all Nigerians, irrespective of ethnic, religious or political affiliations, to reject violence, promote peaceful co-existence and work together for national unity and development of the country.
Bishop Aruakpor also paid glowing tributes to Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas who as a first timer, has been able to sponsor the Federal Medical Center, Oleh bill, which the National Assembly passed for the establishment of the Federal Medical Centre and thanked President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for assenting to the bill, noting that, unmistakably, it will be the first federal presence in Isoko land, aside from police stations.
On the State of Delta State, Bishop Aruakpor commended the Governor of Delta State, Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, for the speed at which the School of Health Technology, Ovrode, is being handled, making it almost set for commissioning and also thanked him for revisiting the Technical College project at Irri.
He then called for the Industrialization of Delta State, stating that the State is so blessed with rich human and natural resources that can be transformed into sustainable economic opportunities through deliberate industrialisation, which will go on to create job opportunities to empower the growing young population and reduce poverty levels.
Bishop Aruakpor equally called on Isoko youths to recant their steps and once again embrace the Light of God in Christ, stating that in a world full of darkness, they need this light to go through it, to avoid stumbling. The future of the land lies in a generation that fears God.
Aruakpor expressed concern over the proposed prohibition of preaching in commercial buses by the government of President Tinubu as direct affront on the church, noting that”Whereas we are aware of the provision of the Nigerian Constitution that guarantees freedom of religion and expression, the current move can be said to be infringing on Christians’ freedom and ultimately breach of the constitution of the country.
Dignitaries in attendance at the event, drawn from across the state and the nation at large, include Rt. Revd Benjamin Idume, Bishop of Ozoro Diocese, Rt. Rev’d Benjamin Emamezi, retired Bishop, Patani Diocese; Comrade Ovuzourie Marculay, former SSG; Prof. Chris Akpotu, President General of Isoko Development Union (IDU); Bishop Ben Eghaire; Rev’d DMT Avae, Chairman of CAN, Isoko South; clergy; and a host of others.
