The Bishop of Nnewi did not ban any national symbol. There is no evidence to support such notions. The Bishop of Nnewi was wrongly quoted.
The Diocese of Nnewi (Anglican Communion) recognizes the National Anthem and National Pledge, Nigerian Flag and Coat of Arm as common properties and national symbols of Nigeria. The Diocese of Nnewi frowns at citizens who handles these national symbols anyhow. Nigerian Flag and National Anthem are important to all good citizens. Citizens are free to use it for good intentions. In fact, we have all these national symbols in our schools and some offices. At our recent school routine visitation for supervision and inspection, we encouraged the head teachers, teachers and students to recognize the values and beauty of these national symbols, including official portraits.
It may interest you to know that immediately the Rt. Rev. Ndubuisi Obi, became the Bishop of the Diocese of Nnewi in 2019, he introduced Diocesan flag to be used in all Diocesan ceremonial functions. Prior to that, the apex church – Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) introduced Church of Nigeria flag as one of the national church symbols. The Bishop of Nnewi saw the Diocesan flag as one of the symbols of the Diocese which the church-based organizations and fellowship should equally recognized. He encourages the members of the Diocese to embrace the Diocesan Anthem which was formulated before he became the Bishop of Nnewi. He enjoins the choristers, Boys’ and Girls’ Brigade, and other youth organizations to join in chanting the Diocesan Anthem during divine services and Diocesan ceremonial activities.
Poor leadership or governance is our main headache, not national symbols. People are not happy because of the way things are being done today in Nigeria. It has resulted in many agitations. However, the Diocese of Nnewi is ever ready to support a movement that will entrench good governance for the citizens of this country. We clamor for a country where government is open, accountable and responsive to the yearning of the people. We want to see a nation where healthcare, quality education, potable water, electricity, transportation, communication will become available to all our people no matter where they are in the nation. We want a country where security of life and property will be a reality.
Thanks.
Nelson ILUNO
July 8, 2021.