Anglican Bishop, Ibeabuchi cautions against boycott of 2023 census

The Anglican Bishop of Umuahia diocese, Geoffrey Obijuru Ibeabuchi has urged Abians to present themselves to be counted during the National Census on May 3-5 2023.

The statement which was contained in a communique issued after the young fathers’ conference at the St Michael’s Church, Okwulaga, Afara-Ibeku East Archdeaconry Umuahia, explained that the national census data will assist in national planning and implementation of developmental initiatives.

The conference said it was wrong for any Abia Indigene or resident to boycott or evade the census, noting that the May 2023 exercise would be beneficial to all citizens.

Meanwhile, during teachings at the conference, the young fathers were warned of vision killers such as worldliness and drunkenness.

They were also warned that fellowshipping with the wrong people with religious bigotry constitutes major setbacks to the progress of young fathers.

The Anglican conference condemned the increase in the rate of irresponsible marriages among young fathers and advised participants to follow divine instructions and guidance in running their families.

Meanwhile, in an Easter message, the Anglican Bishop, Rev Ibeabuchi said Easter remained the bedrock of the Christian faith.

He urged Christians faithful around the country to continue to pray for God’s special hand on the nation.

The Bishop called upon Christians to pray for a peaceful handover of power on May 29, 2023, and a credible census.

“There will be no Christianity without the memories of Easter which remains the bedrock of our faith.”

“From the last Easter to now, a lot has happened across Nigeria ranging from insecurity, kidnapping, banditry, ASUU strike, the exit of medical professionals, activities of unknown gunmen, flood menace, re-designing of some naira notes, high exchange rates, inflation, unemployment, political issues and election irregularities to mention but a few, in all these, our God has kept us in his mercy”.