Former President Goodluck Jonathan has raised concern over the worsening insecurity and moral decline in Nigeria, warning that the country is gradually becoming desensitised to killings, violence and destruction.Continue »
Jonathan spoke on Saturday at the first session of the 13th Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Abuja, where he called for urgent national reflection, responsible leadership and moral rebirth.
In his goodwill message at the gathering, the former president said the increasing wave of violence across the country had become deeply troubling.
He lamented that many Nigerians now react to tragic incidents with indifference, unlike in previous years when such events sparked outrage and collective grief.
According to him, the growing acceptance of bloodshed and insecurity shows that the country is in desperate need of a new direction rooted in moral values and spiritual guidance.
“Who has spent many years in public life and politics, I must confess that moments like this provide an opportunity for sober reflection on the state of our society,” Jonathan said.
“When we look around today, particularly at the challenges confronting our country, it is easy to become discouraged. Violence, insecurity, moral decline, and the loss of human values have become deeply troubling realities.”
The former president stated that the destruction of communities and continuous loss of lives should never become normal in any society. He said the situation reflects a dangerous erosion of compassion and national conscience.
“What is even more painful is how society sometimes appears to normalise these tragedies as though they are ordinary occurrences. In times past, such incidents would shake the conscience of the nation.
“Today, people are killed, communities are destroyed, and life seems to continue as though nothing has happened. This ought not to be so. It is a reminder that society desperately needs moral direction, spiritual guidance, and a restoration of values,” he added.
Jonathan also stressed the importance of the Church in nation-building, saying religious institutions must continue to defend truth, righteousness and justice at a time when society faces increasing moral pressure.
He warned that while technology and modern information systems have brought development and opportunities, they have also contributed to the spread of harmful values and behaviours.
“That is why the role of the Church remains indispensable. The Church must continue to stand as the conscience of society, speaking truth, defending righteousness, and shaping lives through faith and godly example,” he said.
“The influence of modern technology and information systems, though beneficial in many ways, has also contributed to the spread of negative values where wrong is sometimes celebrated more than good. This is not the future we should desire for our children and generations yet unborn.”
The former president further noted that leadership remains critical in periods of national uncertainty. He urged Nigerians to continue praying for leaders while also promoting peace, justice and accountability in public life.
“Permit me to also say that leadership matters greatly in moments like this. Society progresses when men and women of integrity, courage, and vision stand in the right places and speak the truth. We must continue to pray for our leaders, encourage one another, and work collectively for peace, justice, and national renewal,” Jonathan stated.
Also speaking at the synod, former Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Peter Akinola described the conference as symbolic and important, especially at a period when the global Anglican Communion is facing what he called a “revisionist agenda.”
Akinola said the conference had continued to make a lasting impact within the Anglican community years after it was first held. He added that foreign delegates who attended the gathering left Nigeria with a more positive view of the country despite negative portrayals by sections of the international media.
“It is evident that our foreign delegates departed with a far better impression of Nigeria, contrary to the negative narratives often projected by sections of the foreign media about our beloved nation,” he said.
“I remain proud of this achievement and urge you all to keep up the good fight of faith.”