Agitation in the land: Anglican cleric blames poverty, politicians

As Saint Barth’s Anglican Church, Aguda, Surulere, Lagos, marks 60 years on Thursday, August 24, the Vicar and Archdeacon of the Church, Ven. Ben I. Nwanekwu, has blamed poverty and politicians for the current agitation in the land. He called on Federal Government to eradicate poverty and watch whether the youths will fight or give quit notice to other tribes in the country.

Briefing on the activities lined up for the 60th anniversary celebration, the Archdeacon noted with dismay that politicians had over the years manipulated the minds of youths. He stated that the quit notice given to Igbos in the North by the Arewa Youths was not done with clear mind.

He said: “The crisis in the country is being fuelled by poverty and politicians manipulating the mind of youths. Some youths in the North are feeling that the Igbos are taking what belongs to them, but if the average Hausa man becomes rich, he will not see the Igbo man as his enemy.”

The cleric also frowned at the grazing law bill and wondered why government is interested in the grazing of cattle instead of taking care of other businesses in the country.

“I see the law as another way of Islamising Nigeria and I am totally against it. Why must grazing of cattle be more important than every other business in Nigeria? Why must government be involved in it, if there is no hidden agenda,” he queried.

On state of the economy, the former chaplain to the late Archbishop/Primate, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Joseph Adetiloye, said Federal Government should pay workers hourly, instead of monthly salary. He also suggested that Nigerians should work round the clock without sleep.

He said: “What has made the American and Western economy to change are night life and the wage. If we start wage system, some employers will not be able to bargain and government should implement these and things will get better. Nobody should blame our boys for what they are doing; they have to survive. Let them get wages and not salary, because when you are paid monthly, they are cheating you.”

On the theme of the anniversary, “That They May Be One,” the cleric said the church would hold a novelty match on August 19; baptism/confirmation on August 24, as well as present awards to deserving members. Mrs. Eni and Mr. Ladipo Johnson, would speak on family and the role of Christians in politics at the seminar on August 26. While the Vice Chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Rt. Rev. (Prof) Dapo Asaju ministers, as guest preacher on August 27.