Listen to agitating groups, Achbishop tells FG, States

As the country marks her 57th anniversary, the Archbishop of the Province of Aba and the Bishop of Umuahia, Most Rev. Ikechi Nwachukwu Nwosu has reminded Nigerians that they sinned as a nation and should ask for God’s mercy as recorded in Romans chapter 3 verse 23.

In his homily during the anniversary service at Saint Stephen’s cathedral Umuahia, Most Rev. Nwosu lamented a situation where contractors pocket the money meant for road construction and government will keep quiet and wondered why people who were impoverished will not be provoked.

On the series of agitations springing up across the country on daily basis, Nwosu counseled the Federal and State governments to sit down and listen to those agitating, pointing out that there must be pressing issues that need attention, which were neglected, thus the agitation.

Bishop Ikechi Nwosu also said civil servants who are being owed arrears of salaries are also agitating silently.

The cleric however pointed out that some of the agitators might have failed in their process of carrying out their agitations, but frowned at the way government is handling the issue of agitation.

He tasked Nigerians to love and tolerate each other, describing love as tolerance, understanding and maturity.

The clergyman further called on Nigerians to embrace God irrespective of tribe or religion.

Citing the book of Romans chapter 13 verse 1 to 8, the cleric noted that people owe nothing or any excuse than to obey God and love one another.

Special prayers was offered for the nation in general and Abia in particular, while dignitaries from all walks of life were present.

In a similar development, the Federal and State governments have been called upon to create a platform that will enable it know the feelings of people at the grassroot.

Bishop Nwosu made the call while interacting with newsmen at Saint Steven’s cathedral, Umuahia on issues bothering the society as Nigeria marks her 57 independence.

Bishop Nwosu noted that various governments are far from the people, thus he flawed political leaders for failing to improve the infrastructural sector of the nation, as well as education.

According to him, Nigeria since 1960 it got independence should have gone far in governance, but public office holders choose to suffer the masses.

He wondered why the Presidents will travel abroad for medical treatment and betray the medical sector in the country, while Governors will send their children to school overseas and allow the educational system to decay.

Bishop Ikechi Nwosu faulted the inability of the federal government to tap from the multiplicity of tribes in Nigeria to put resources together and drive maximum development.

The Dean Emeritus of Church of Nigeria added that no country can borrow a leaf from Nigeria politics, a situation, the cleric described as shameful in global experience.

He also noted that a government with a good heart will not shy away from call for restructuring and agitation, which he identified as a friend to democratic government.

Nwosu further faulted the militarization of the States by federal government, saying that the police should be in charge of internal security, while the military in charge of border security especially in Democratic system of government.

The Archbishop therefore suggested that answers to these challenges, includes good roads, good water, power and housing if the current government in power can work out plans to put things right.

Speaking during the occasion, the Governor said that God can make it right for Nigeria while reaffirmed his promise to continue to lead the State with fear of God.

According to him, Nigeria cannot be destroyed by the inactivity of one man or group, maintaining that has a purpose for the country, while charging Nigerians to keep hope in God for the redemption of the country.

While admitting that the country is challenged in many fronts thus creating room for worry especially as the country is not where it ought to be among the comity of nations, he expressed his conviction that God’s purpose for the country will come through.

“Today marks the 57th birthday of our country, Nigeria and you see despondency written on the faces of many Nigerians irrespective of tribe, religion and geographical location. Therefore, we cannot say that all is right, that we are not challenged and pressed on all fronts”.

“It is true that there are reasons for agitations. There are reasons for worry. We are not yet where we are supposed to be. The Journey we started with other countries like Taiwan, China, we seem to have been abandoned and left abandoned and left in the backyard of development among the comity of nations”, he said.

He urged all not to lose hope in the face of present challenges in the nation, proclaiming his belief that God would make Nigeria.

The Governor, who accepted the fact that the nation has not reached its destination in terms of development however maintained that Nigeria has reasons to celebrate and requested all to continue to anchor their hope in Him.

Interacting with newsmen afterwards, the Chairman, Police/Community Relations Committee, PCRC, Zone 9 Collins Obi said described the country as having fared well, come of age and has the potentials of doing well.

He sued the opportunity point out that the Nigeria Police has contributed its quota to the development of the country and commended the Inspector General of Police over his check on corruption within the rank and file of the police force, especially the removal of police check points on the highways.

Sunday Nwakanma – Umuahia