Former President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed concern over what he described as the growing normalisation of killings, insecurity, and violence in Nigeria, warning that the country is gradually losing its moral values and sense of humanity.

Jonathan spoke on Saturday during the Anglican Diocese of Abuja’s first session of the 13th Synod held in Abuja.

In his goodwill message, the former president called for national reflection, spiritual renewal, and responsible leadership amid the country’s worsening social and security challenges.

According to him, many Nigerians have become desensitised to bloodshed and destruction, unlike in the past when tragic incidents triggered widespread outrage and collective grief.

“As someone who has spent many years in public life and politics, I must confess that moments like this provide an opportunity for sober reflection on the state of our society,” Jonathan said.

“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.”

He lamented that many violent incidents no longer provoke the level of concern they once did.

“What is even more painful is how society sometimes appears to normalise these tragedies as though they are ordinary occurrences. In times past, such incidents would shake the conscience of the nation.

“Today, people are killed, communities are destroyed, and life seems to continue as though nothing has happened. This ought not to be so. It is a reminder that society desperately needs moral direction, spiritual guidance, and a restoration of values,” he stated.

Jonathan emphasised the Church's role in promoting moral values and guiding society, urging religious leaders to continue speaking truth and defending righteousness.

“That is why the role of the Church remains indispensable. The Church must continue to stand as the conscience of society, speaking truth, defending righteousness, and shaping lives through faith and godly example,” he said.

The former president also warned about the growing influence of harmful values through technology and modern information systems, saying negative behaviour was increasingly being celebrated.

“The influence of modern technology and information systems, though beneficial in many ways, has also contributed to the spread of negative values where wrong is sometimes celebrated more than good. This is not the future we should desire for our children and generations yet unborn,” he added.

Jonathan further stressed the importance of responsible leadership in national development.

“Leadership matters greatly in moments like this. Society progresses when men and women of integrity, courage, and vision stand in the right places and speak the truth. We must continue to pray for our leaders, encourage one another, and work collectively for peace, justice, and national renewal,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, former Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Peter Akinola, described the conference as both symbolic and strategic, especially at a time the global Anglican Communion was facing what he termed a “revisionist agenda.”

Akinola said the gathering had continued to make a lasting impact within the Anglican community years after it was first held.

He also noted that foreign delegates who attended the conference left Nigeria with a more positive impression of the country despite negative portrayals in some sections of the international media.

“It is evident that our foreign delegates departed with a far better impression of Nigeria, contrary to the negative narratives often projected by sections of the foreign media about our beloved nation.

“I remain proud of this achievement and urge you all to keep up the good fight of faith,” Akinola stated.