From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
The Kaduna Anglican Synod has launched a scathing critique against Nigeria’s political leadership, delivering a sharp rebuke to the National Assembly, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the government’s aggressive fiscal borrowing.
Delivering his charge at the Kaduna Anglican Diocese Synod Thanksgiving Service at Saint Paul’s Anglican Church in Kakuri, the Archbishop of the Kaduna Ecclesiastical Province, The Most Rev’d Dr. Timothy Yahaya, declared that human systems and political leaders have repeatedly failed the nation.
Under the theme, “Blessed is the person that trusts in God,” the cleric urged Nigerians to shift their reliance away from failed institutions and toward God.
National Assembly Slammed as an “Appendage” to the Executive Archbishop Yahaya expressed the Synod’s deep dissatisfaction with the National Assembly (NASS), accusing the legislature of abandoning its constitutional oversight duties.
“They have become an appendage to the Executive,” Yahaya stated.
The Synod strongly criticized federal lawmakers for failing to scrutinize the executive arm, pointing directly to the alarming speed at which multibillion-dollar loans are approved without due process.
The Archbishop argued that NASS is failing to uphold the principle of the separation of powers—the very bedrock of democracy.
Turning its spotlight onto the electoral umpire, the Synod sent a direct message to INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, warning that Nigerians still do not trust the commission.
The Archbishop demanded that INEC prove its integrity in upcoming polls to ensure they are free, fair, and credible, rather than a “kangaroo election.” He raised alarms over reports that continuous voter registration servers are currently down, warning that any deliberate attempt to disenfranchise citizens would backfire.
Recalling the billions of naira allocated to INEC for the 2023 general elections, Yahaya demanded accountability:
“Where is the value for money? Civilized governments all over the world pursue value for money.
“ Unlike the 2023 election, where huge funds were spent only to be explained away as a ‘technical glitch,’ Nigerians expect actual results.
“I hope the glitch will not start in the brains of officials before affecting the system.”
Where are the Results?” Synod questions wave of Government borrowing.
The Synod expressed bewilderment at the government’s continuous borrowing spree, especially following the removal of the petrol subsidy, noting that citizens are yet to see any visible, positive impact from these loans.
To manage the nation’s fiscal crisis, the Archbishop suggested a three-pronged strategy for subsidy savings:
