Nigeria better as united nation — Methodist Prelate

The Prelate, Methodist Church Nigeria, Dr. Kanu Uche, has criticised agitations for the disintegration of Nigeria, saying that the country is better as a united entity.

Uche said this while speaking with newsmen at the end of the 35th Council of Bishops held at the Methodist Theological Institute, Umuahia, the Abia State capital.

He noted that the British achieved their aim with the amalgamation of the Southern and Northern Protectorates in 1914, adding however, that Nigeria stood to benefit more from being together.

“Even though the British used the amalgamation to achieve their aim, I think we are better together as a nation.

“I don’t think that one section can stand on its own. We need our diversity to bring about harmony and synergy.

“What makes us strong is our population and that is why we are respected all over the world.”

The cleric, however expressed dismay that the bane of Nigeria was the lack of good and committed political leadership.

According to him, those calling for the disintegration of the country were either deprived of their rights or only want to cause confusion.

The prelate admonished religious bodies to remain steadfast in prayers for the continuous existence of Nigeria.

He said it was sad that mindless politicians and a few other Nigerians had impoverished majority of the citizens due to their greed and looting of the nation’s treasury.

“Nigeria has enough for our need but not enough for our greed.”

Uche also condemned the alleged attempts to Islamise Nigeria, warning that Christians would resist such attempts because it would spell doom for the country.

He said that Christians were praying against religious war because it would spell doom for the country.

“People should not sow wind else they would reap whirlwind,” he said.

In the communique read to journalists by the Secretary of the Council, Dr. Michael Akinwale, the bishops applauded the Federal Government’s anti-graft war.

The council, however, advised that the fight, arrest and prosecution of suspected treasury looters “should not be selective and vindictive”.

It further advised that the recovered loot should be made public and utilised in generating jobs for millions of unemployed youths as well as improve the lives of the citizenry.

The council also expressed concern over the menace of herdsmen in different parts of the country and urged the government to take decisive action against those behind the group.

“Security agencies should not treat these agents of the devil with kid gloves; efforts should be made to unmask their sponsors.”

The bishops urged the National Assembly to revisit the bill on South-East Development Commission, saying that the bill, when passed, would help to realise the Federal Government’s plan for reconciliation, reconstruction and rehabilitation of the zone.

They condemned the threat by Arewa Youths to Ndigbo residing in the north to leave or face annihilation as a hate speech.

“This is a hate speech and a threat that should be seen as treason and punishable under the law of the land.

“God has made Nigeria a sovereign, indivisible nation and it should remain so,” the bishops said.