By Rex Enabulele/Abuja
Catholic Bishops under the auspices of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) have cautioned political parties and politicians against dangerous ethnic and religious sentiments in their campaign to win the support of Nigerians, ahead of the 2023 general election.
At opening of the CBCN meeting, yesterday, the he Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Antonio Filipazi used the occasion to announce the appointment of the Bishop of Umuahia Archdiocese, Most Lucius Ugorji as the new Archbishop of Owerri Archdiocese, replacing Archbishop Anthony Obinna, who resigned after being in that position since March 26 1994.
Speaking at the opening of the Catholic Bishop’s meeting in Abuja on Sunday, the outgoing President of the CBCN and the Archbishop of Benin Catholic Archdiocese Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubueze said that just as Nigerians believe in one God as the creator of all, they should avoid division and unite to seek a common dream, for a Nigeria that provides for everyone.
According to him, “Nigeria must resist the temptation of falling into a divisive political campaign. We are united as a people who believe in one God who created all of us to live happily together in this world.”
He advised that the people should rather unite to demand for a Nigeria where government at all levels should be accountable to the electorate that voted them into power.
Akabueze said that the church expects the over 50 million Catholics in Nigeria to be instruments of change, not only spiritually, pastorally, but even politically, using their votes.
“We are united in our yearning and desire for a Nigeria with strong Institutions. We are all united in looking forward to a Nigeria that will be audacious enough to ensure to ensure that our constitution reflects our common aspiration to look in unity, peace and justice. We are united in seeking a construction that will provide for the needs of every Nigerian,” he said.
In his Homily during the opening mass of the Catholic Bishops Conference Of Nigeria, at St. Gabriel’s Chaplaincy, Durumi, Abuja, Bishop Kaigama that said the country needs an overhaul through the emergence of a courageous and selfless leader to restore it’s fast weaning glory.
He explained further, “Nigeria needs a complete turnaround, where we share our God-given resources equitably; merit should take priority in everything, and all should aspire to be patriotic citizens.
“We are yet to find leaders who are prepared to die for our nation, as in the case of the late President of Chad, Idriss Deby, who died leading his people in battle, or recently, like the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is courageously leading his people and stoutly defending the territorial integrity of his nation by an invading hostile power. Please pray for Ukraine as requested by the Holy Father.
Kaigama further said that in order to achieve genuine peace and progress in the country, both Christian and Muslim leaders must forge accord and work towards breaking the barriers that create disunity among their followers.
The Archbishop urged members of the Presidency, National and State Assemblies, the Judiciary, Governors, Local Government Chairmen, politicians, religious leaders, traditional leaders, security agents, youths, elders, etc. to make a new and strong determination to build a civilization of love, social justice, compassion, freedom and peace, and to overcome evil with good.
