2023: Resist politicians with divisive tendencies – Catholic Bishops

*Ask Nigerians to vote for competent people, vote massively

*As Kaigama bemoans the profligacy of the political leadership.

By Adlin Daniel

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Sunday insisted that competence, rather than other considerations should be the driving key for Nigerians, as they choose next President of the country in 2023.

The CBCN President, Archbishop Augustine Akubeze, who gave the charge in his remarks at the opening ceremony of the first plenary of their 2022 Conference in Abuja, urged Nigerians to resist politicians who champion divisive political campaign ahead of the general elections.

According to him: “We cannot run away from the fact that very often a people get the kind of government they deserve.

“The number of Nigerians who vote are very few. For those who do not vote, they have already voted by allowing a few to determine the future of the majority.

“The argument that INEC or other agencies may not make our votes count is no longer acceptable. We must exercise our right to vote and then speak to protect our vote.

“We call on Nigerians to get their Permanent Voters Card (PVC), and be ready to vote according to their personal convictions of who is capable of leading Nigeria or the State to a better life.

“Vote for those who can ensure the security of life and property. Vote for those who have shown that they have the capacity to unite us as a people.

“Vote for people who possess the capacity to make Nigeria into industrial hub for Africa.

“Vote for people who can make Nigeria a land of opportunity for all. Vote for people who can make our dreams come to life. Nigerians must resist the temptation of falling into a divisive political campaign.”

He noted that inspite of the failings of the country’s leadership, God was still at work in the land.

“We are also united in our common search for a nation that cares for everyone. We are united in our common dream for a Nigeria that provides opportunities for everyone.

“We are united in praying and working for a Nigeria where Government at all levels are accountable to the people who gave them power.

“We are united in our yearnings 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 that our constitution reflects our common aspiration to live in unity, peace and justice.

“We are united in seeking a constitution that will provide for the needs of every Nigeria,” the CBCN said.

The Catholic Bishops added that next year (2023) offers Nigerians another opportunity to fix what they got wrong in the past, especially in their participation in the political life of the nation.

According to Akubeze, “We have failed God as individuals who allow corruption to deprive us of living the good life God has given to us. We have failed God by allowing insecurity and criminality to thrive.”

Earlier while preaching the Homily at the opening mass held at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria headquarters church premisis, the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Archbishop Ignatius Ayau Kaigama, explained the connection between the Lenten season and the CBCN conferences, and urged Nigerians to deeply reflect on their lifestyles so as to make the country a better place.

He lamented the level of corruption ravaging the country and called on the politicians to prick their consciences so they could reverse the ugly trends in the society.

He expressed worry that the nation’s political leadership appear to be comfortable when thing are getting from bad to worse, stressing that there is no country that can make progress the way Nigerian political leaders are driving the country.

He charged politicians to pick some lessons from the Biblical readings of the day and amend their profligate ways.