He warned that if these fundamental issues are not addressed honestly and urgently, the hope of a new Nigeria will remain a fantasy.
By TheInvestigator
The Lord Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Calabar, Rt. Rev. Nneoyi Onen Egbe has issued a strong national call for a new constitution, true federalism, and urgent reforms in Nigeria’s governance system, warning that the country is heading toward a deeper crisis if structural injustices and systemic corruption persist.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday to open the 12th Synod of the Diocese, held at St. Jude’s Anglican Church, Eke Effiong Nta, Calabar, Bishop Egbe condemned what he described as the “surreptitious preference for one religion or tribe over others” in the country and called for a complete overhaul of the 1999 Constitution.
“Destroy what we currently call our constitution and get a proper, national and people-owned document,” the Bishop said, addressing journalists and church members. “Every Nigerian should be treated equally. We must stop lying to ourselves.”
He stressed that the concentration of power at the centre, widespread insecurity, selective justice, and the failure to uphold meritocracy were crippling the nation and undermining unity.
“We need to entrench true federalism where federating units control their resources and report only to the centre. The Nigerian factor — this get-rich-quick-at-all-costs syndrome — must die for the country to live,” he added.
Bishop Egbe also described Nigeria’s judiciary as being in urgent need of reform, calling it “the first major step towards recovering Nigeria.”
Call for INEC Reform and Border Security
He further criticised the politicisation of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), insisting that the head of the electoral body should not be appointed by the government and must be independent, neutral, and non-partisan.
On insecurity, Bishop Egbe expressed concern over unregulated migration and porous borders, which he said contribute to rising terrorism.
“Should we not know who enters or lives in this country? We must strengthen our borders to allow only people with a progressive and productive culture,” he said.
He warned that if these fundamental issues are not addressed honestly and urgently, the hope of a new Nigeria will remain a fantasy.
Commends Cross River Government with Caveat
On the state level, the Bishop commended Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River for what he described as “focused leadership,” citing improvements in security and road infrastructure across the state.
Among projects mentioned were the Nyahasang–Lemna–Adiabo Iyamba road, Atikpo Akade road, and the Adiabo–Creek Town road, which he said had opened up communities and improved accessibility.
However, he also issued a strong caution:
“We are praying for you. But if we discover you are playing politics with the well-being of Cross Riverians, we will lead the condemnation.”
Church’s Social Interventions
Highlighting the Diocese’s achievements, Bishop Egbe noted progress in education, rural evangelism, social outreach, and investment initiatives aimed at reducing reliance on offerings.
He disclosed the establishment of a Diocesan printing press, support for indigent students through scholarships, empowerment of rural communities, and involvement in health advocacy against HIV/AIDS, drug abuse, and gender-based violence.
“We may not publicise all we do, but we believe the church must show leadership by example,” he said.
A Final Word: A New Nigeria Is Possible
Bishop Egbe closed his address by urging Nigerians to speak the truth, resist tribal and religious bias, and demand accountability from leaders.
“Of course, these are by no means exhaustive. But they are starting points for national rebirth. A new Nigeria is possible — if we are honest and bold enough to drive it,” he concluded.