Enugu Anglican Synod Blames Federal Government for Eastern Railway Delay

…urges INEC to guarantee level playing field, voters to obtain PVCs

By Chinedu Adonu

ENUGU — The Anglican Church of the Enugu Diocese has criticised the Federal Government for the prolonged delay in completing the Eastern Rail Line (Port Harcourt–Maiduguri) project, describing the neglect as harmful to the South‑East’s economy and to Nigerians’ welfare.

During its third session of the 19th Synod, the Church also voiced concerns about the political climate ahead of the 2026 elections, urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a level playing field for all parties and candidates in order to safeguard the credibility of the polls.

In a communique signed by the Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Rt. Rev. Prof. Samuel Obiajulu Ike, Prof. Offornze Amucheazi, Rev. Canon Dr. Ifeanyi Agu and H/H Paulson Egbo, the Synod lamented that the Eastern Rail Line had remained a “pipe dream” despite repeated promises from successive governments.

“The Synod frowns at the delay in completing the Eastern Rail Line (Port Harcourt–Maiduguri) project, which has remained a pipe dream, and calls on the Federal Government to expedite action to alleviate the suffering of the people,” the communique stated.

The Church stressed that reviving the rail corridor would boost economic activity, improve transportation, reduce the cost of moving goods and people, and enhance regional integration.

Regarding the political situation, the Synod expressed displeasure with what it described as the overheating of the polity by politicians, warning that inflammatory rhetoric and disregard for electoral rules could undermine peaceful and credible elections.

It urged political parties to conduct their activities within the law and called on INEC to discharge its constitutional responsibilities impartially.

“The Synod expresses displeasure at the overheating of the polity by politicians and urges political parties to play according to the rules. It also calls on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a level playing field for all political parties and their candidates,” the communique read.

The Church further urged eligible Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and actively participate in the 2026 elections, insisting that citizen participation remains crucial to deepening democracy and ensuring accountable leadership.

The Synod declared a zero‑tolerance stance against gender‑based violence (GBV), warning that any member of the clergy or laity found guilty of abuse would face severe ecclesiastical sanctions, including suspension, defrocking and, where necessary, prosecution by civil authorities.

“The Anglican Diocese of Enugu declares zero tolerance for Gender‑Based Violence. Any leader or person, whether clergy or laity, found liable to GBV shall face immediate canonical discipline, including counselling, suspension or defrocking, and referral to civil authorities where appropriate,” he declared.

The Bishop explained that the policy was rooted in the Christian belief that every human being is created in God’s image and therefore deserves dignity, safety and respect.