Cleric Tasks Nigerians On Patriotism, Peace

The Anglican Bishop of Awka Diocese, Rev. Alexander Ibezim last Saturday in Awka urged Nigerians to be patriotic and always pray for peace in the country.

Ibezim, who gave the advice while addressing newsmen on activities marking his 50th birthday anniversary, also called on the various ethnic groups in the country to live as one family.

“No matter how we pray for this country, if we don’t change our attitude as a people, nothing will change. We have to be careful about what we say about Nigeria. Instead of putting curses on the country, let us confess our sins and pray for God’s forgiveness while seeking his blessing for the good of our nation.

“We should always bear in mind that good can come out of a bad situation,” he said.

The bishop also advised political leaders to implement programmes that would improve the living standard of the people rather than enrich themselves.

He described good leaders as those who saw the future and not the present, adding that good leaders embarked on programmes that would benefit the people for many years to come.

The clergyman warned that if the leaders failed the people who elected them and escaped the wrath of the law, they would

not escape God’s judgement.

“Let us know that there is God who will judge both the rich and the poor.”

He expressed regret that the Church had fallen short in its duties of communion with God and urged ministers to rise up to

the spiritual and social challenges of the current times.

He equally criticised the spate of insecurity in the country and called for prayers for the country.

The bishop commended Gov. Peter Obi for handing over schools to missions, promising that they would do everything possible to live up to expectations.

He challenged the rich people in the society to support Obi’s administration by investing in the state, especially in education, which he described as “the foundation of development”.