Former President Goodluck Jonathan has voiced deep concern over the increasing erosion of moral values in Nigeria, highlighting that the nation's escalating insecurity and violence are progressively desensitising its citizens to human suffering. Speaking at the inaugural session of the 13th Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Abuja, Jonathan issued a strong call for comprehensive spiritual renewal, the cultivation of responsible leadership, and concerted collective efforts to diligently rebuild the country's foundational value system.

The former president observed with dismay that the relentless wave of killings and widespread destruction sweeping across Nigeria no longer elicits the profound outrage it once did, a development he characterised as profoundly perilous for societal stability and progress. He articulated his distress, stating, “When we look around today, particularly at the challenges confronting our country, it is easy to become discouraged. Violence, insecurity, moral decline and the loss of human values have become deeply troubling realities.”

Jonathan further lamented that contemporary Nigerian society appears to treat tragic incidents with an alarming sense of normalcy, a stark contrast to past eras when such events would stir the national conscience and evoke collective grief. He expressed his anguish, noting, “What is even more painful is how society sometimes appears to normalise these tragedies as though they are ordinary occurrences. Today, people are killed, communities are destroyed, and life seems to continue as though nothing has happened. This ought not to be so.”

He underscored the critical role that religious institutions, particularly the Church, must play in the arduous task of restoring moral standards and guiding society back towards righteousness. While acknowledging the numerous benefits of modern technology and advanced information systems, Jonathan cautioned that these advancements have also inadvertently contributed to the proliferation of harmful values and, disturbingly, the glorification of wrongdoing. He firmly asserted, “The Church must continue to stand as the conscience of society, speaking truth, defending righteousness, and shaping lives through faith and godly example.”

Jonathan also placed significant emphasis on the indispensable importance of credible leadership, asserting that true national progress is intrinsically dependent on leaders who exemplify integrity, possess unwavering courage, and articulate a clear vision for the nation's future. Complementing these remarks, former Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Peter Akinola, added his perspective, stating that the synod convened at a uniquely critical juncture for the global Anglican Communion. Akinola highlighted that previous gatherings of the Church had successfully projected a positive image of Nigeria to international delegates, effectively counteracting negative international narratives about the country.