'Indigenous Bishop or Nothing': Anglican Faithful Protest in Uyo

 

'Indigenous Bishop or Nothing': Anglican Faithful Protest in Uyo

Tension is mounting in Uyo ahead of the episcopal election of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) scheduled for Wednesday, July 15, 2026, as indigenous Anglican faithful under the umbrella of Mboho Ndito Akwa Ibom (MNAI) intensified their call for the election of an Akwa Ibom indigene as Bishop.

The group staged a peaceful protest across the Uyo metropolis, carrying placards with inscriptions such as: "Indigenous Bishop or Nothing," "Oh God of Justice, Fight for Us," "Akwa Ibom Has Only One Diocese, Elect an Akwa Ibom Son," "We Need an Akwa Ibomite for Church Growth and Indigenisation," and "No Indigenous Bishop, No Bishop in Uyo."

In a communiqué issued on July 10, 2026, the group described the absence of an Akwa Ibom indigene among the over 170 Bishops of the Church of Nigeria as a longstanding injustice that deserves urgent correction.

"We are making a humble appeal for the election of an indigene from Akwa Ibom State. It is on record that, out of more than 170 Bishops in the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), none is an indigene of Akwa Ibom. We therefore urge the Church to consider qualified sons from the Ibibio, Annang, Eket, Oron, Ibeno and Eastern Obolo ethnic nationalities," the communiqué stated.

The group stressed that its demand was driven by faith, justice and the desire to strengthen the Church rather than create division.

According to the communiqué, the continued failure to elect an indigenous Bishop has contributed to disunity, discouraged local participation and slowed the growth of the Anglican Church in Akwa Ibom State.

The faithful also alleged that many Anglicans have left the denomination for other churches where worship and evangelism are conducted in indigenous languages and reflect the people's cultural identity.

They further claimed that indigenous clergy and church workers have suffered years of marginalisation, with many denied opportunities to lead congregations, forcing some to leave the Church entirely.

The group alleged that more than 20 Anglican churches in Akwa Ibom have closed over the years, blaming the development on the neglect of indigenous ministers.

"When indigenous pastors are neglected or forced out, who will build the Church?" the communiqué asked. "After more than 35 years of Anglican presence in Akwa Ibom State, we still have only one Diocese."

The group urged the leadership of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) to use the forthcoming episcopal election to address what it described as a historic imbalance by electing a qualified Akwa Ibom indigene. It expressed optimism that such a decision would promote unity, deepen evangelism, accelerate church growth and give indigenous Anglican faithful a stronger sense of belonging within the Church.