Anglican Bishop Presses Tinubu On Unity, Kanu, Tax Relief In Christmas Message

The Anglican Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Rt. Rev. Samuel Ike, has called on Nigerians to remember soldiers spending Christmas on the battlefields and thousands of displaced citizens in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, urging prayers, generosity and renewed national unity during the festive season.

The bishop made the appeal in his Christmas message titled “Allow the Prince of Peace to Reign,” delivered at a press conference in Enugu.

Reflecting on the season, bishop Ike lamented the deepening socio-economic hardship in the country, saying many Nigerians were facing not only spiritual challenges but also severe physical deprivation.

“Many of our people are hungry. Some have narrowly escaped death by hunger, while others are spending Christmas in kidnappers’ dens,” he said. “Their families are traumatised and gradually losing hope, not just in loved ones, but in the nation itself.”

He urged Nigerians to show compassion to the less privileged, particularly displaced persons and families affected by insecurity, stressing that Christmas should translate into tangible acts of love and support.

The cleric also called on national leaders to recognise what he described as Nigeria’s changing image on the global stage and to respond with improved governance.

“Now that the international community is paying closer attention to Nigeria, our leaders must realise that the music has changed, and the dance must also change,” he said.

Bishop Ike appealed to President Bola Tinubu to use the spirit of Christmas to strengthen national unity, warning that divisive rhetoric especially on social media was worsening ethnic and political tensions.

“Sadly, the body language and actions of some government officials have often fuelled these divisions,” he noted.

On the lingering tensions in the South-east, the bishop urged the president to seek a political solution to the detention of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), arguing that such a step would help de-escalate tensions and foster national cohesion.

“We acknowledge that many leaders desire to do good, but intentions alone are insufficient,” he said. “If Nigeria must stand tall among nations, our leaders must allow Jesus, the Prince of Peace, to reign in their lives and in their decisions.”
The bishop also cautioned Nigerians especially young people against the pursuit of social status through violence, crime or reckless behaviour.

“Take it easy. Pause. Be cautious in your travels, movements and celebrations this season,” he advised, urging citizens to embrace peace, contentment and mutual care.

Turning to Enugu State, bishop Ike commended Governor Peter Mbah’s administration for what he described as “revolutionary achievements” since assuming office, noting visible improvements in governance and development.

However, he expressed concern over the burden of multiple taxation on residents, saying it was worsening the hardship faced by ordinary citizens.

“Enugu people are groaning under the weight of multiple taxes,” he said. “In the spirit of the season ‘joy to the world and peace to all men of goodwill’, we appeal for a review and reduction of these tax burdens so that the people may breathe more easily and livelihoods may flourish.”

He expressed confidence that Governor Mbah would respond positively, describing him as “a listening leader with a human face.”

The bishop concluded by urging Nigerians to use the Christmas season as a moment of reflection and generosity, ensuring that the poor and vulnerable genuinely feel the hope and joy symbolised by the birth of Jesus Christ.