Henry Ndukuba, the primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, has called on President Bola Tinubu to act fast to alleviate the untold hardship in the country.

Mr Ndukuba made the call during a sermon at the funeral service for the late former governor of Ondo, Rotimi Akeredolu, at the Saint Andrews Church, Imola, in Owo, on Friday. 

Represented by Blessing Enyindah, the archbishop of Ikwerre, Rivers State, Mr Ndukuba told Mr Tinubu that there was “trouble in the land”, noting that time was already behind him. 

“There is trouble everywhere in Nigeria. May I, on behalf of Nigerians, pray and call on the president, Senator Bola Tinubu, to do something to reduce the hardship faced by Nigerians.

“Time is running fast. We have hope he will do it because he promised us renewed hope, and according to him, it is his turn, so the turn and opportunity have been given to him now. We are waiting and expecting the fulfilment of the renewed hope,” he said.

He explained that the country under Mr Tinubu’s watch was in a big mess, with insecurity, hunger and ritual killings becoming the order of the day. 

“The hardship we are facing in Nigeria is unbearable; there is big trouble in the land. There are diseases, insecurity, hunger, killing, kidnapping, ritual and so on.

“We move from one trouble to another. Please, help us, Mr President, to do something. We appreciate your efforts, but what we need now is a quick solution to the present hardship in the country,” the archbishop stated. 

He, however, advised on the need to positively impact society, particularly when holding public positions. 

On his part, Mr Tinubu described the late Mr Akeredolu as a “fearless soldier” for his unwavering advocate for the state’s people. 

Mr Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, eulogised Mr Akerdolu and lauded the courage and dedication of the former Ondo governor to the service of the state. 

“There was no point in life where his voice shook in telling his truth. He was a vastly intelligent man whose passion has created quite a wide vacuum beyond this community,” said Mr Tinubu. 

Earlier, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa said his late principal was a courageous leader, fighter and warrior, adding that his memory would linger forever in the hearts of the people.

Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, Abiodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State, and Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, among other dignitaries, were present at the event.