By Emmanuel Enebeli
ASABA/Nigeria: The 44th National Congress of the Men’s Missionary Union (MMU) of the Nigerian Baptist Convention has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria and state governments to swiftly implement the recent Supreme Court judgment on local government autonomy, in accordance with the nation’s Constitution.
This appeal was made as part of the communique issued at the close of the Congress, held in Asaba, the Delta State capital.
During a press conference at the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Ultra-Modern Christian Centre in Asaba, the outgoing National President of the MMU, Dr. Soye Peniel Asawo, commended the Federal Government for its efforts toward local government autonomy.
He emphasized that these efforts are consistent with the laws of the nation, as outlined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“We commend the Federal Government’s steps because they align with the Constitution. However, there has been a lack of political will to implement this aspect of the Constitution over the years,” Dr. Asawo stated.
“We hope that the Supreme Court’s judgment will motivate our leaders to finally implement it, enabling those at the grassroots level to take charge of their destinies by providing infrastructure for the public good.”
Dr. Asawo also underscored the importance of ensuring that the judgment is not just filed away but actively enforced. He expressed the Congress’s deep concerns over Nigeria’s deteriorating economy, noting that the nation’s economic situation has reached an unprecedented low, causing widespread suffering among Nigerians.
“The Congress is calling on the government to urgently address the economic situation, particularly the declining value of the Naira,” he remarked.
“We also urge the government to intensify efforts in combating corruption, which has plagued our nation for far too long.”
The Congress further highlighted the exorbitant cost of governance in Nigeria, which Dr. Asawo described as unmatched globally. He stressed that unless those in power begin to reduce expenses and make sacrifices expected of ordinary Nigerians, the country will struggle to progress.
“We are calling on the government at all levels to fight corruption visibly and effectively. This is the only way to restore confidence in the system and ensure that we move forward as a nation,” he asserted.
Addressing the issue of insecurity, the Congress pointed out its detrimental impact on the country’s agriculture sector. Many farmers, Dr. Asawo noted, are unable to access their farms due to insecurity, leading to food scarcity and travel challenges. He urged the government to address these issues with urgency.
This year’s Congress, themed “Wonders Without Numbers,” based on Job 9:10, aimed to showcase the wonder-working power of God to Baptist men and the people of Delta State. Dr. Asawo affirmed that numerous testimonies of God’s wonders had been recorded since the Congress began in Asaba.
He also praised the Delta Baptist Conferences and the Delta State Government for creating an enabling environment that ensured the success of the Congress. Dr. Asawo explained that Asaba was chosen as the host city due to its conducive infrastructure, the CAN Christian Centre, and the city’s peaceful nature.
“The city of Asaba offers a conducive environment for hosting large gatherings like this. The infrastructure, transportation network, and peaceful atmosphere make it an ideal location for our Congress,” he said.
Dr. Asawo noted that the Congress provided an atmosphere conducive to worship, fellowship, and the execution of kingdom business for over 30 Baptist Conferences across Nigeria. Additionally, more than ten thousand Baptist men participated in the Congress online from various parts of the country.
The 44th National Congress, which concluded successfully in Asaba, was hosted by the Delta Baptist Conferences, including the Anioma Baptist Conference, Ethiope Baptist Conference, and Providence Baptist Conference.
The event attracted over three thousand delegates from all 36 states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and featured business sessions where various reports were presented, as well as worship segments led by Rev. Dr. Chika Ossai-Ugbah.
