Corruption:Nigerian Church Advocates Excommunication Of Indicted Members

Igbobini Diocese of Methodist Church Nigeria has advocated total excommunication of any church member indicted of corrupt practices either in the public service or private sector as a springboard for anti-corruption campaign in churches.

The church gave the advice in a statement at the end of its 30th annual synod presided over by the diocesan Bishop of Igbobini, Rt. Rev’d Olukayode Ajiboye, held at the Methodist Church Cathedral, Okitipupa, Ondo State.

The church noted that the war against corruption in the country could only be won when religious institutions joined hands with the various anti-graft agencies set up by government to fight the scourge.

It noted that the theme of the synod, ‘What if the Lord had not been by our side’, was enough caution for everybody in the country to “re-appraise themselves by doing things that will glorify the Lord in whatever they do”.

The synod also noted with concern, the current state of the Wesley University of Science and Technology, Ondo, established by the Methodist Church Nigeria,  and stressed the urgent need for financial support for the institution.

The statement read, “The synod hereby advise the Methodist Church Nigeria to show a greater concern for the growth and sustenance of WUSTO.

“Igbobini Diocese must also demonstrate aggressive support for the university because WUSTO must not die.”

The statement added that the four-day deliberation of the synod also advocated a better relationship between the church and the government for the benefit of Nigerians.

Towards this end, the synod advised government at all levels against imposing taxes on churches.