Anti-Corruption War: Catholic Bishops Back FG

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Ezekiel Oyemomi (left), presenting a wheel chair to the Coordinator, Congenital Deformity Babies Foundation, Kaduna, Mr Innocent Uche, on behalf of the foundation in Abuja, recently. With them is the Director, Rehabilitation, Ms Victoria Akintaro.

The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has enjoined Nigerians to join hands with the present administration to recover wasted opportunities and rebuild the nation for posterity.
The president of the conference, Most Rev.Ignatius A. Kaigama, who said this in his address at the conference’s second plenary session in Port Harcourt, yesterday, said that the move to recover Nigeria’s wasted opportunities must involve all Nigerians, not only those in government.
Kaigama, who is also the Catholic Archbishop of Jos, acknowledged a growing demand by Nigerians for higher economic and political performance, accompanied with high ethical standards.
“Thankfully, there seems today to be a strong feeling of nationalism across ethnic, religious and political divides that Nigeria should overcome the vicious circle of corruption, epileptic power supply, unemployment, insecurity, decaying social infrastructure, and dishonesty in private and public dealings.
“Also, there is a feeling that a new Nigeria is emerging where leaders with integrity and followers must demonstrate sincerity, goodwill and selflessness”, he said.
The Archbishop, who described Nigeria’s brand of corruption as crude, blatant, inhuman and inconsiderate, said that those who have put Nigeria in this mess must make a comprehensive restitution by returning their loot either within or outside the country.
“They should be made to reveal where they have invested or stashed their corrupt takings, repent and bring them back to Nigeria.
“In addition to the mantra, ‘bring back our girls’, he said well; ‘Bring back Our Wealth’.
“This latter one should not be as difficult as the former,”, he said.
The Archbishop also restated the stand of the Church against gay marriage, but denied insinuations that the conference wants jail term for offenders.
Meanwhile, the former governor of Rivers State, Dr. Peter Odili has charged the conference on the need to speak out against religious extremism, terrorism, same sex marriage as well as called for respect to the rule of law.
Odili, who was the Chairman of the conference, also commended the Church for its continuous support to Internally Displaced Persons the North East.
Represented by the Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Kenneth Kobani, the former governor also called for the creation of a new Diocese in the state.