Anglican Church Owerri Diocese Speaks On Operation Python Dance II

The Owerri Ecclesiastical Province of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion has reacted to military operations in the South-Eastern part of Nigeria code named Operation Python Dance II.

In a communique issued at the end of its 30th Provincial Synod/Council of the Owerri Ecclesiastical Province of Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion held at St. Barnabas Cathedral Okigwe on Saturday. and signed by Most Rev. Caleb Maduoma, the Archbishop of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, the church demanded the immediate suspension of military operations.

The church during the synod with the theme, “Living in Harmony’’ and attended by bishops under the Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, reflected on the current siege imposed on the five South-East states by the military among other issues.

The communique reads: “This exercise code-named ‘Operation Python Dance two’ has already started having obvious consequences on the people as people now live in fear and terror. We are yet to see the justification for unleashing terror on the South-East.”

“It is worrisome that when the world is waiting for security agencies in the nation to address the menacing activities of the rampaging killer herdsmen and the incalculable harm they have done to Nigerians especially the South-East, the military deployed its might on innocent and defenceless citizens in the South-East.”

“The siege on the South- East is not only unnecessary but will not in any way improve a lot of this nation and we, therefore, demand immediate suspension and abrogation of this ill-conceived and ill-motivated military exercise.”

“In the place of military action, the dialogue would have been the best way to resolve misunderstandings and grievances in a democracy.”

“At a time of obvious economic hardship, high rate of unemployment, irregular and or non-payment of salaries and pensions, coupled with the near collapse of infrastructure, Imo is witnessing the demolition of people property by government without payment of compensation.’’

 “We are not unaware of the various agitations for self-actualization by various groups in the nation today, we believe the agitations are expressions of disaffection against obvious and perceived injustices prevalent in our country today.”