The Archbishop, Special Duties, At-Large of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Most Rev. Dr Sunday Ndukwo Onuoha, has said the country’s worsening insecurity will not improve unless Nigerians confront the truth about the depth of the crisis.
Speaking in Abuja on Sunday during a thanksgiving service for his investiture as Archbishop of Special Duties, Onuoha said the nation had fallen into a pattern of borrowing not just funds but even the technology needed for survival.
He warned that Nigeria could not continue “pretending that all is well” while citizens were being abducted and vulnerable communities attacked across the country.
According to him, “Nigeria is facing a serious security crisis. Wherever we come from, it is time to stand up and say: enough.”
Onuoha cautioned that denial was deepening the national condition, stressing that people must stop “saying peace when there is no peace”.
He said, “Our young people are being taken; our women are assaulted. When we lack the skills to fix what is wrong, someone who can do it must step forward. If there is anyone who can help, please come and help us.”
The cleric, who once served in government, noted that public officials often struggled to speak openly due to diplomatic constraints, adding that citizens must take responsibility for speaking the truth.
“On behalf of the government, the church, and every ordinary worker, let help come immediately — not tomorrow. Now. Right now,” he appealed.
Onuoha said the consequences of unresolved violence would shape the next generation, insisting that real healing required rising above ethnic, religious and class barriers.
He added that hunger, sickness, sunshine and rainfall had no tribe or religion, noting that “we are one family under God”.
The Archbishop said the country’s progress had been crippled by selfishness and deceit, pointing out that “righteousness exalts a nation, but wrongdoing breaks it”.
He called on Nigerians to confront reality, set bitterness aside and pursue a fresh start.
“When children play football, no one cares about tribe. When you board an aircraft, you don’t ask the pilot’s religion. Safety benefits everyone,” he said.
Onuoha warned leaders about the danger of pride, reminding them of the fleeting nature of power.
“Look at our nation today: when people enjoy power, they become unreachable. But when power leaves, they become ordinary again. Even phones that once rang nonstop suddenly stop ringing,” he said.
He maintained that God had not abandoned Nigeria but was calling the nation to repentance, justice and unity.
“Something is wrong. Something is not right. As a country, we are hiding wounds instead of healing them,” he added.
He urged the country to stop pretending and begin rebuilding with truth and accountability.