Don, cleric, IYC urge spiritual rebirth, true federalism, justice, others for nation’s greatness

A professor of Journalism and Mass Communication, Innocent Okoye, and the Minister-in Charge of Satellite Town Baptist Church, Reverend Kayode Akintunde, have urged spiritual purification of Nigerians, true federalism, justice, equity, roundtable by all nationalities, equitable wealth distribution, among others for Nigeria to attain greatness.

Delivering a paper yesterday as a guest speaker with the title, Nigeria @ 57: Still battling with the spirit of Pisgah at the church’s yearly Independence Day Lecture in Lagos, Okoye noted that no nation could grow in an marred with injustices and anti-development attitudes. He, therefore, canvassed for ranching of cattle to check the perennial clashes between locals and herdsmen in parts of the federation.

The don noted that it is high time all ethnic nationalities sat and defined their co-existence, stressing that it was presumptuous to hold the opinion that the entire citizenry were happy in the present system packaged by the British colonialists.

He, therefore, canvassed for true federalism where state police and resource control are imperative.

According to Reverend Akintunde in his homily entitled, Return to God, taken from Second Chronicles 7:14, it was time for the leaders and the led to retrace their steps and go back to their maker.

He said: “We need to have a change of heart. A corrupt leader can never save the nation. Our leaders must be passionate about who they are leading.”

He called for a total reorientation that is woven around patriotism, selflessness, service, dedication and fear of God.

Besides, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) worldwide said the only way to build national unity and a sense of nationhood was for government to ensure that all federating units get equal treatment.

The position was contained in a statement issued by its president, Eriuc Omare, in Yenagoa.

To the President of Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo, the nation would remain indivisible, urging agitators asking for its division to have a rethink.

In Edo State,  the senior Pastor of Living Faith Church, Ekenwan in Benin City, Pastor Daniel Oluwaseun sought patriotism from Nigerians.