Methodist church calls for suspension of 2023 census

Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Calabar has called for the suspension of the the national population and housing census billed for May this year due to insecurity.

The Diocese made the call in a communique issued at the end of its 47th Annual Synod at Wesley Cathedral, Calabar, Cross River State.

This year’s 2023 Synod had as theme: “Contending for the faith, in consideration of the prevalent moral decadence and heresy in our society.”

The communique was signed by the Methodist Arch Bishop of Calabar, Most Rev. Chimezuo Nwankpa, along with the Lay President, Dame Prof. Mirinda Dosunmu, KJW and Elder Offiong Unoh, Chairman of the Communique Committee.

Among the nine-point Communique is the call by the Synod that “Taking into consideration, the high level of insecurity in the country, where some areas are being occupied by ‘Boko Haramists’, bandits and other undesirable elements, who visit mayhem and their reign of terror on the helpless inhabitants, it would be impossible for the enumerators to access such trouble spots.

“Synod calls for the putting on hold of the nationwide population census slated to commence on May 3, 2023 pending when the security will improve.”

Also, the Synod lamented the high unemployment rate in the country, and advised the youths and unemployed to acquire skills to earn dignified livelihood and escape poverty and frustration.