The Anglican Bishop of Enugu, Rt. Rev. Prof. Samuel Obiajulu Ike, has formally requested that President Bola Tinubu cease the practice of reintegrating former terrorists into society. Speaking at the 19th Synod of the Diocese at St. Peter’s Anglican Church in Ogbete, Enugu, the bishop insisted that those guilty of violent crimes should face legal prosecution rather than rehabilitation.
Bishop Ike expressed frustration that despite the government allocating N5.41 trillion to security, national safety continues to decline. He questioned why individuals who commit violent acts are offered amnesty while others face harsh penalties for lesser offenses. The cleric also called on the government to classify Boko Haram members explicitly as terrorists, purge cabinet members sympathetic to their cause, and curb the use of social media for extremist propaganda.
Highlighting the severity of the situation, the bishop noted that over 1,100 people were kidnapped in the first three months of 2026, with significant violence occurring in Plateau, Benue, and Kaduna states. He suggested that if the administration cannot protect its citizens, the upcoming 2027 elections could be severely compromised.
On economic matters, the bishop criticized the government’s ongoing reliance on loans despite high budget projections. He pointed out that inflation and the devaluation of the naira have deepened poverty, rendering current reform policies ineffective for the average citizen. Additionally, Bishop Ike condemned the state of the power sector, noting that despite high tariff increases and substantial debt repayments, electricity access has not improved. He remarked that the installation of a N10 billion solar project at the presidential villa further damaged public trust regarding the government’s commitment to solving energy issues for the general population.
