Primate and Spiritual Head of The African Church, Nigeria and Overseas, His Eminence Julius Abbe, shares his thoughts with BIODUN BUSARI on the state of the nation, insecurity, among other issues
What is the significance of the recent investiture, consecration and elevation of archbishops, bishops and archdeacons in your church?
It is very symbolic. This signifies that the Church is developing because when you have archbishops, bishops and archdeacons, these are senior officers of The African Church who man various posts. They are in those posts to ensure the proper administration of the Church, as well as the growth and development of the Church, spiritually and otherwise.
Some of these newly elevated clergymen are from the North. How do they view this development amid the current security challenges in the region?
It is very significant because our brethren in the North cherish it so much, since their former archbishop retired. Since the retirement of the former archbishop, we have not been able to appoint a new archbishop. But with the new programme, we didn’t just appoint an archbishop; we also consecrated bishops.
Basically, the people consecrated are from Makurdi, which is the capital of Benue State. So, they are from Makurdi Province. We had an exercise like this last year, but they couldn’t attend the occasion for certain reasons.
The importance of this occasion to the Church in the North is that they now have a leader. They also have somebody to nurture them and guide their activities.
Has there ever been a time when some church leaders in the region were unable to fully carry out their duties due to insecurity?
I always give thanks to God that the Church in the North is solidly behind the leadership. They have expressed their allegiance, and they have been unshakeable in their duties. I must add that their support has been unwavering.
So, there is no problem at all. As human beings, we are bound to express grievances when we are dissatisfied. As a result of this, there was a time when a few of them were disgruntled over certain issues. But we can always excuse that.
Did the insecurity in the North affect your churches?
As I said earlier, the majority of the people are solidly behind our administration despite the insecurity that affects them daily. They have not waned in serving God as well. Without mincing words, most of the churches in the North have suffered a lot of persecution.
Some of our churches were completely razed. We have experienced the burning of vicarages, buildings and other properties over there. Some of our members were attacked and their farms destroyed.
When we heard about this, we had to send some succour and support to them. I think the government is doing a lot to tackle the problem of insecurity.
Are you satisfied with the manner in which the Christian Association of Nigeria is engaging the government on insecurity?
Yes. The African Church is a very senior partner in fellowship with all Christian bodies in Nigeria, namely the Christian Association of Nigeria and the Christian Council of Nigeria. I want to state here that just a few days ago, we were in Abuja for a CAN meeting. I was there. We discussed insecurity in our country extensively.
Consequently, we issued a statement. A communiqué was issued and is everywhere. By the grace of God, we made the decision to declare a three-day mourning period for our dear country from June 12 to June 14.
The Christian body has declared Sunday, June 14, as Black Sunday for all Christians to wear black dresses and parade within their church communities. It will also be made known to the CCN to ensure that everybody complies. The African Church is a strong member of CAN and CCN.
Is the three-day mourning declared by CAN a response to some Christians asking for a protest over insecurity?
Certainly, it is in order to show the government that all is not well with the country. Yes, it is a statement to those in government. It is important to make this clear to the government that they need to do more, as the rate of insecurity is becoming alarming.
Are you concerned about the government seeking support from the United States?
I have to say that the government needs our prayers. So, it’s clear they are aware of this problem. What I try to imagine is that the people in government never thought about the magnitude of the challenges before they got into power.
After they got there, they could see that it was not child’s play. So, if they are able to get help or assistance from anywhere, it’s for the good of the citizens. The primary responsibility of any government is to secure the lives and property of its citizens. So, it should do all it takes to get that done.
What is your charge to the government?
Some politicians are only playing politics with the lives of Nigerians. It is saddening. That is what has led us to the state of security challenges where we are now. All I can say is that the government should keep Nigeria safe.
They should think more about our safety and security because if citizens are killed, murdered, maimed or displaced, who are they going to rule over? They should think deeply about this.
So, they should stop all this politics. They should do away with politics that do not place value on life. The Church is praying for them to do the right thing, and God will give them wisdom.
What is your position on the call in certain quarters that Nigerians should resort to self-defence as insecurity worsens?
Self-defence, to me, in the face of worsening insecurity in our country, is not an option because it may be abused, considering our level of development. Rather, we should mount more pressure on the government to carry out its responsibility of securing the lives and property of the citizens.
Having said that, the government should know that Nigerians are crying and the country is bleeding. The government should rescue all the children and teachers in captivity. The families of those children are devastated.
Away from insecurity, what is the role of The African Church against voter apathy creeping in among the populace as the election year approaches?
As a church, we have a civic responsibility to remind members and encourage them to play their role as citizens of this country. If we say we are not going to show interest, then who governs us becomes a disturbing issue.
Once we show interest in voting and encourage ourselves, then we will get it right one day, I believe. So, as a church, we encourage all our members to get their voter cards or update their registration and vote. Nigerians should vote for candidates of their choice when the election comes.
Do you think there are specific qualities your members should look for in candidates before they vote for them?
Our members should participate actively in the electoral process to ensure that it is embraced. They should not be on the sidelines or show apathy towards electioneering activities. Firstly, we should be a good example to the world.
As for the qualities to look for in candidates, the highest quality you can look for in any candidate is godliness. The person has to be God-fearing.
What words of encouragement do you have for Christians during this difficult period in Nigeria?
The level of insecurity in this country is so frightening. It could be said that when you leave your home, you don’t have a guarantee that you’ll return safely. It’s really very sad. People are scared to go out and attend activities.
But my advice is that Christians should trust God while holding the government accountable. We should participate in the 2027 elections and vote for credible candidates. We must not lose hope. We should shine the light.
What is your take on the state of the Church in the country in terms of balancing doctrine with character?
Undoubtedly, the Church exists amid a corrupt world. Our world is very corrupt, and it becomes more corrupt by the day. But the Church has a responsibility to live righteously. I thank God that, as a church, we are not shirking our responsibility to let the people know what God demands of them.
We are saved to live righteously, to live honestly, to seek peace, to be friendly, and to be in communion with all men for peace to reign. These are some of the things that God requires of us. We have to serve God.
So, these are some of the things we need to let the people know. The Lord has made us a light. Remember, light can only be relevant where there is darkness. As I said, the world is full of darkness.
What is your admonition for those taking church leadership positions?
Starting from my church, concerning the new archbishops, bishops and archdeacons, you must be ready to do any humble task. As a labourer, you must attend to God’s service as far as it goes towards the salvation of the people.
This applies to all church leaders; do not be weary in doing well. Be always available. The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few. As soldiers of Christ, we are not expected to mingle or put our hearts into the affairs of the world. The leaders of God’s flock should focus on their duties and not mingle with worldly affairs.