The Catholic Arch-Bishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, on Tuesday night advised President Muhammadu Buhari to go slowly on his anti-corruption drive so that his actions are not seen as “persecution.”
He gave the advise during an evening dinner organized for Catholics in Politics at the Church of the Assumption, Asokoro, Abuja.
Pointing out that fighting corruption goes beyond making “few arrests here and there” he urged President Buhari to carry out his anti-corruption fight in a way that will not be seen as selective.
He also said that fight against corruption can only succeed where there is transparency, just and honesty.
He said: “This challenge obviously lies squarely on those who now have the power to rule our nation. I want to beg them, and I am glad the Chairman of the ruling party is here, to resist the temptation to rub in the plaques of defeat on the losers and try to avoid policies of persecution, some even talk of execution of losers.”
“We have to tackle dishonesty and I believe we need to retrieve stolen goods, especially those that are just piling up other peoples money. While we do that, it is my strong feeling that we should try to avoid as much as possible humiliating or disgracing people who may indeed have tried their best to serve the nation.
“How to do this and keep these two elements together requires a lot of sagacity and clear mindedness. But we should pray for our leaders to be granted the grace.
“We must be clear minded on this matter and not allow ourselves to be naïve thinking that it is just enough to make few arrests here and there and the matter is settled. Let us pray that God will guide our nation.”
On insecurity, he said that Nigeria needs to go beyond arms and ammunitions in order to reconcile minds and hearts for genuine peace.
The time, he said, has come for all to link hands and seriously tackle the problems facing the country. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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It is the silence of our clergy and so called "men of God" for not speaking out against corruption and bad leadership (some of them having sold the holy communion Chalice) to the highest bidder for pittance, that has allowed Nigeria to become a cesspool of corruption, bad leadership and moral decadence. It is rather disappointing that such caution is coming from a religious leader considering that Jesus Christ spoke the truth no matter whose ox is gored... say the truth and the truth shall set you free.
ReplyDeleteOn this subject, the Arch-Bishop should not get involved. I'm Catholic, and I respect the Arch-Bishop for what he is, but his comment is unnecessary. Let Buhari do his job.
ReplyDeleteAnother reason why our Nation has struggled to curb corruption. What is selective if actually the individual is found to have defrauded the Nation. Is the argument that if we cannot try all corrupt people we should not try any? Instead of supporters the anti-corruption move, this Bishop is implying that if someone tried hard for the country and yet stole our money, we should let them go. Absolute nonsense.
ReplyDeleteAnother reason why our Nation has struggled to curb corruption. What is selective if actually the individual is found to have defrauded the Nation. Is the argument that if we cannot try all corrupt people we should not try any? Instead of supporters the anti-corruption move, this Bishop is implying that if someone tried hard for the country and yet stole our money, we should let them go. Absolute nonsense.
ReplyDeleteAs far as am concern, all our political leaders are corrupt. If he( mr president) don't want to be seen as corrupt too, he need to arrest IBB, Abdusalam Abubakar, OBJ, Maryam Abacha, GEJ, Tinubu, Lucky Igbenedion, Rotimi Amaech and the fuel subsidy thieves. Period.
DeleteI really do not understand what this Arch Bishop means by this...if he has fed from the fat of corrupt people then he should be ready to pay for it! Imagine this coming from a so-called man of God. Please leave politics for the people invloved and allow Buhari do his job abegggg..persecute who? when there are evidences supporting looting? please let the man go slow and steady and solve all these issues and lets show some support people! except of course you are a beneficiary of corruption
ReplyDeleteAll of you should know and understand what the Arch Bishop is saying when you consider what had happened in places like Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya and many other African countries. It is better to be careful in doing anything than throwing caution to the wind because one want to play to the gallery. Politicians should not be allowed to throw this country to serious conflict but this does not mean that the President should not fight corruption. But he should heed the clergy man's advic e.
ReplyDeleteThank You so Much for explaining to those who dont understand the man of God
DeleteWhat is Bishop saying? Sure u are one of those who are gullible and take all one man who called himself man of God says. Let's see where the gullibility will lead all. Is it not one of them that escorted them to South Africa for arms.
ReplyDeleteIt is really sad that these so called men of God? who is not man or son of God? Do u know how many homes. families and human beings that have been destroyed by these men of God. well we all say they allowed that. The Bishop should go and advise his followers he should leave Nigeria alone. Who knows may be it will traced to hi? Do you know how many of them that gets fats envelopes in praying for them? we all know. What could be the reason why the CAN president imagine escorted million of dollars for weapons seized in south africa.Or he went in order to seek God's protection over the money?Thank God the money was saved Abu? so enough is enough. let the men of God continue to deceive those they can but shouldn't come anymore into Nigerian issues if the truth cannot be told. So GOB should stay low on corruption in order to encourage others? God forbids.It's me SKINN.
ReplyDeleteGood talk Skinn
ReplyDelete