Clerics implore Buhari to save Nigeria from sinking

The Catholic Bishop of Awka, His Lordship, Dr. Paulinus Ezeokafor, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to save the country from sinking. He told journalists in Awka that the country was drifting dangerously and required the president’s urgent attention to navigate it back to its original position.He said: “While all efforts should be made to redeem Nigeria, it seems that not much is happening.”

The bishop who expressed dissatisfaction with the developments in the country said there were executive impunity, infrastructure decay and poor productivity among other issues.He stressed that there was tension in the land, given the agitation in many sections of the country, adding that while the people believe in one Nigeria, that “oneness must be discussed.”

The bishop explained that though the strategy adopted by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) may be wrong, there was the need to listen to them.On economic restructuring, Ezeokafor suggested that states should be allowed to handle whatever resources they have, adding that it was wrong for some governors to wait for what would be shared by the Federal Government.

According to him, there is a lot of injustice in the country, because many ethnic groups are being cheated.He said his position as bishop compelled him to speak on national issues, as a means referees to give guidance.He said the poor state of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway had compelled big lorries to use the old road, which he said, was not built with the capacity to carry such heavy-duty vehicles.

The bishop pledged his support to the demand by governors to handle the federal roads in their areas.Also, another cleric, Dr. Obiekwe Nwanolue yesterday kicked against the use of religion to score political gains in the polity. He made the call in Abuja, while disclosing a planned jubilee and thanksgiving in honour of the Most Rev. Daddy Hezekiah.He warned those who mix religion with politics to desist from it to avoid the wrath of God.

Nwanolue, who is the Chief Director of Protocol at the Living Christ Mission, charged religious leaders to pray for the country and call public office holders to order when they fail in their responsibilities.

He disclosed that Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, former Heads of State and Presidents, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, and the President of Zambia, Edgar Chagwa Lungu, would attend the event.

Others are the President of Central African Republic Prof. Faustin Archange Touadera, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Muhammed Bello and the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi.