New visa policy might attract Islamic fundamentalists, clerics warn

Some Anglican clerics have cautioned against the implementation of the proposed visa on arrival policy by the Federal Government for visitors coming into Nigeria from other African countries, saying it might heighten the level of insecurity in the country.

Expressing their fears yesterday in their 2019 Christmas messages to the nation, the Anglican Bishop on the Niger, Rt. Revd Owens Nwokolo and his counterpart in the Diocese of Awka, Rt. Revd. Alexander Ibezim warned that throwing the doors of the country open to all manner of Africans might attract the wrong type of visitors.

The clerics noted that already Boko Haram and other forms of Islamic fundamentalists under various guises had been killing thousands of Nigerians over these years without let, warning that it would amount to an overkill to throw the nation’s borders open to outsiders at this point in the nation’s history.

Nwokolo noted that citizens’ outcry against the policy was a testament that they were suspicious of the real intentions of the promoters.The cleric also blamed Nigerians for keeping quiet while the Federal Government allegedly continues to suppress free speech and hound perceived political opponents into jail.

“It’s as if we are still under a military regime. But we are to blame ourselves,” he said.He also lamented the free fall of the naira against other major currencies of the world, calling on the government to arrest the situation.

In another development, the Catholic Bishop of Nnewi, Rt. Revd. Hilary Okeke, in his Christmas message, said Nigerians were not only embracing sin but were also returning back to idol worship, calling on Christians to shun all forms of idolatry and occultism.Quoting from the book of Paul to the Galatians 5:19-21, Okeke said: “In fact, many people including some who call themselves Christians commit these sins, especially sexual immorality – adultery, fornication, homosexuality lesbianism, sensuality and masturbation.

“Another serious and widely committed sin in our area is idolatry, the worship of false gods and goddesses.”The cleric said it has become imperative for Christians to always remember the reason for celebrating the birth and coming of Christ, saying, “we must be prepared to receive him when he comes again.”He noted that all manner of evils confronting the nation would become a thing of the past if every individual endeavours to invite Christ into his/her life, which would lead to holiness in the conduct of citizens.

A member of the House of Representatives, representing Njikoka/Anaocha/Dunukofia, Dozie Nwankwo, called on Nigerians to pursue love, peace and good neighbourliness during and after the Christmas season so as to move the nation forward.Nwankwo said nothing tangible could be achieved in an atmosphere of rancour, strife and backbiting, appealing for peace and selfless service from all Nigerians.