Nigeria No Longer At Ease, Catholic Bishops Lament by ogododo: 8:04am On Jul 22, 2021 |
ADO-EKITI – Catholic Bishops have said that developments in the country show that justice, equity and fair play have clearly fallen apart and the country is no longer at ease. Following these, they noted that the very soul of Nigeria needs to be recovered.
These were contained in the communiqué issued at the end of Bishops of Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province, 2021 meeting, comprising Ibadan, Ilorin, Ondo, Oyo, Ekiti and Osogbo dioceses on from July 19-20.
A statement made available to newsmen in Ado-Ekiti by the Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Most Rev. Felix Ajakaye, said the communiqué was signed by Most Rev. ‘Leke Gabriel Abegunrin and Most Rev. John Akin Oyejola, the Chairman and the Secretary, respectively. The meeting was held at the Domus Pacis Pastoral Institute, Igoba, Akure, Ondo State.
Entitled, ‘Recovering the Soul of the Nigerian Nation’, the communiqué, which noted that “Nigeria seems to have lost its very soul because it is no longer a healthy entity”, admonished Nigerians to stand firm and not lose hope but continue to pray and work for a better nation.
The bishops also lamented that the alleged high level of despondency in Nigeria could make the people to lose hope and zeal for democracy.
Though the clergies bemoaned the alleged untidy political developments in the country, they, however, maintained that the situation was redeemable if the people would return to the path of God.
“To all our fellow Nigerians, we say, stand firm and never lose hope for God cannot be defeated.
“We call on Nigerians to continue to pray and work for a better nation for we have no other country than this. If we do not give up doing good and believing in God’s promise, we shall see better days”, the communiqué noted.
They said the good health of any nation consists in its capacity to offer its citizens a territory where they can feel at home, feel secure and enjoy the basic necessities of life.
But they noted that this unfortunately is no longer the case in Nigeria, where armed conflicts, armed robbery, kidnapping for ransom, insurgency, banditry and extra-judicial killing persist as the order of the day.
“When a nation loses its soul, its people lose the cohesive elements of human relationship,” the communique said.
“A nation that has lost its soul is characterised by inept, uncaring leadership which functions by selective allocation of posts, privileges and resources and by selective application of justice. It is characterised by leaders who, rather than care for the citizens of the country, simply exploit and denigrate them. Such a nation takes food out of the mouths of its own citizens and watches them starve. It deploys its scarce resources to the advantage of the rich and powerful while offering mere crumbs to the poor and weak.
“A nation that has lost its soul therefore breeds a citizenry where nobody cares for anybody else. Nigeria exhibits all of these traits, no doubt. Its constitutive principles of justice, equity and fair play have clearly fallen apart and the country is no longer at ease. No doubt, the very soul of Nigeria needs to be recovered”, they noted.
The bishops said the ongoing controversy surrounding the proceedings of the National Assembly gives ample evidence of the theatre of the absurd which democratic representation has become in Nigeria.
“Be it on the electoral reform, electronic transmission of electoral results, press freedom or the Petroleum Industrial Bill (PIB), the work of those who represent the people on the federal level in Nigeria does not seem to bring much satisfaction to the people for whose interest they were allegedly elected. With the National Assembly at various occasions prioritising party and privileges over people’s rights and interest, relief and progress continue to elude Nigerians.
“Simply put, those who claim to represent the people seem to have perfected the art of sabotaging the progress of their same people. Indeed, the time may have come for Nigerians to no longer simply roll over and accept non-representative decisions of the Assembly but to challenge them by all legitimate means.
“Ongoing electoral reforms give another opportunity for reviving the hopes of the people and confidence in the nation’s democracy. An important part of electoral reform, which is often ignored, is the education of the people who participate in building democracy.
“Only participation in the political process and adherence to the rule of law offer an enduring means of authentic change but people must be helped to understand this fact. We urge the media and civil society groups to sustain this education agenda so that Nigeria can reap the full benefits therefrom. We also urge our people to register and obtain their voters cards. Only this grants them the power to exercise their rights to determine who governs them from time to time. Our country will greatly benefit from this”, the bishops said.
Continuing, they said, “In the face of our current national crisis and encroaching chaos it is surprising that the Nigerian government continues to demonstrate a disturbing allergy for truth even when it is most evident. The recent effort by the presidency to malign the address of Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah of Sokoto Diocese, to the House Foreign Affairs Committee of the United States of America Parliament/Assembly in Washington DC on the Nigerian situation on religious freedom is laughable to say the least.
“Bishop Kukah, in his patriotic and frank presentation called attention to some verifiable data and statistics about the Nigerian situation on that privileged international platform. He spoke for authentic Christians and Muslims who are under persecution. No doubt, he intended to solicit the support of that forum which many Nigerians believe holds the promise of some assistance and relief from our current national crises.
“The Federal Government, however, has characteristically gone up in arms against the person of Bishop Kukah and his purpose. It is commonly said that when there is a problem in a democracy, more democracy is needed to solve it. Sadly enough, our current Federal Government does not seem to subscribe to this.
“Our sympathies go to the Nigerians who bear the brunt of Nigeria’s debilitating situation because of economic depression and hunger, armed robbery, banditry, kidnapping for ransom, unemployment and injustice. Many have died as has happened in Igangan in Oyo State and elsewhere while so many are still dying. May the departed souls rest in perfect peace and may those who are suffering at various levels find help and comfort.
“We call on all Nigerians to do all they can to help one another even in these hard times and work more assiduously to create a better society. To help the downtrodden and oppressed, it is not enough to provide relief materials. It is just as important to fight for justice and fairness and protect fundamental human rights”, they said. https://independent.ng/nigeria-no-longer-at-ease-catholic-bishops-lament/ 4 Likes |
Re: Nigeria No Longer At Ease, Catholic Bishops Lament by KillMNKnow(f): 8:05am On Jul 22, 2021 |
The constitution says that we are a secular society that does not allow religion influence the government. Section 101 of the Nigerian Constitution provides: “The Government of the Federation or of a State shall not adopt any religion as State Religion.” This is supported by Section 10 of The 1999 Constitution: “It may be argued in the light of this provision that religious symbols (indigenous or received) have no place on public lands, national edifices, currency, flag, coat of arms, anthem, pledge and other national symbols. By this section, Nigeria is declared to be a secular state and therefore cannot join any organization that has a religious connotation’’. The churches should stop interfering in state affairs 5 Likes 3 Shares |
Re: Nigeria No Longer At Ease, Catholic Bishops Lament by joe54: 8:09am On Jul 22, 2021 |
Fela was a prophet. I am beginning to believe smoking hemp might be spiritual. SUFFERING AND SMILING THATS NIGERIANS FOR YOU. 52 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Nigeria No Longer At Ease, Catholic Bishops Lament by Amotolongbo(f): 8:26am On Jul 22, 2021 |
joe54: Fela was a prophet. I am beginning to believe smoking hemp might be spiritual. SUFFERING AND SMILING THATS NIGERIANS FOR YOU. Go and listen to Beast of no nation 12 Likes 1 Share |
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Re: Nigeria No Longer At Ease, Catholic Bishops Lament by Deltafirstson(m): 8:50am On Jul 22, 2021 |
Nigerians are in one chance government. 4 Likes |
Re: Nigeria No Longer At Ease, Catholic Bishops Lament by ogododo: 9:00am On Jul 22, 2021 |
KillMNKnow:
The constitution says that we are a secular society that does not allow religion influence the government. Section 101 of the Nigerian Constitution provides: “The Government of the Federation or of a State shall not adopt any religion as State Religion.”
This is supported by Section 10 of The 1999 Constitution: “It may be argued in the light of this provision that religious symbols (indigenous or received) have no place on public lands, national edifices, currency, flag, coat of arms, anthem, pledge and other national symbols. By this section, Nigeria is declared to be a secular state and therefore cannot join any organization that has a religious connotation’’.
The churches should stop interfering in state affairs If na MURIC now, you go dey spill saliva. 46 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Nigeria No Longer At Ease, Catholic Bishops Lament by pstemma1990: 9:09am On Jul 22, 2021 |
KillMNKnow:
The constitution says that we are a secular society that does not allow religion influence the government. Section 101 of the Nigerian Constitution provides: “The Government of the Federation or of a State shall not adopt any religion as State Religion.”
This is supported by Section 10 of The 1999 Constitution: “It may be argued in the light of this provision that religious symbols (indigenous or received) have no place on public lands, national edifices, currency, flag, coat of arms, anthem, pledge and other national symbols. By this section, Nigeria is declared to be a secular state and therefore cannot join any organization that has a religious connotation’’.
The churches should stop interfering in state affairs but ur same Constitution has room for Sharia? 61 Likes 2 Shares |
Re: Nigeria No Longer At Ease, Catholic Bishops Lament by ogododo: 9:45am On Jul 22, 2021 |
pstemma1990: but ur same Constitution has room for Sharia? Una mind dere double standard, just to control everyone na dem sabi, either violently or subtility. 29 Likes 2 Shares |
Re: Nigeria No Longer At Ease, Catholic Bishops Lament by ogododo: 10:50am On Jul 22, 2021 |
1 Like |
Re: Nigeria No Longer At Ease, Catholic Bishops Lament by Sincinnati: 10:56am On Jul 22, 2021 |
KillMNKnow:
The constitution says that we are a secular society that does not allow religion influence the government. Section 101 of the Nigerian Constitution provides: “The Government of the Federation or of a State shall not adopt any religion as State Religion.”
This is supported by Section 10 of The 1999 Constitution: “It may be argued in the light of this provision that religious symbols (indigenous or received) have no place on public lands, national edifices, currency, flag, coat of arms, anthem, pledge and other national symbols. By this section, Nigeria is declared to be a secular state and therefore cannot join any organization that has a religious connotation’’.
The churches should stop interfering in state affairs If I tell you what I think about you and your post your pay masters will just wire funds to one mod here and my comment will be deleted and account banned. So I will just leave you to keep littering the forum with senselessness just as you’re paid to do until wetin every sensible Nigeria is complaining and fighting against hits that mod himself, but I guess it will be too late for the mod then. So, basically you and that mod are sadly irredeemable. 52 Likes |
Re: Nigeria No Longer At Ease, Catholic Bishops Lament by ogododo: 11:20am On Jul 22, 2021 |
Sincinnati: If I tell you what I think about you and your post your pay masters will just wire funds to one mod here and my comment will be deleted and account banned.
So I will just leave you to keep littering the forum with senselessness just as you’re paid to do until wetin every sensible Nigeria is complaining and fighting against hits that mod himself, but I guess it will be too late for the mod then.
So, basically you and that mod are sadly irredeemable. Oghene! 2 Likes |
Re: Nigeria No Longer At Ease, Catholic Bishops Lament by ogododo: 11:56am On Jul 22, 2021 |
Lalasticlala. |
Re: Nigeria No Longer At Ease, Catholic Bishops Lament by specialmati(m): 12:08pm On Jul 22, 2021 |
1 Like |
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Re: Nigeria No Longer At Ease, Catholic Bishops Lament by EricSmallz(m): 12:08pm On Jul 22, 2021 |
Patronize Us this Momday Like Thursday |
Re: Nigeria No Longer At Ease, Catholic Bishops Lament by Nobody: 12:09pm On Jul 22, 2021 |
They said the good health of any nation consists in its capacity to offer its citizens a territory where they can feel at home, feel secure and enjoy the basic necessities of life. Is that too much to ask? 3 Likes |
Re: Nigeria No Longer At Ease, Catholic Bishops Lament by JackDaAlienz(m): 12:09pm On Jul 22, 2021 |
Beg |
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Re: Nigeria No Longer At Ease, Catholic Bishops Lament by HEAVEN4444: 12:09pm On Jul 22, 2021 |
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Re: Nigeria No Longer At Ease, Catholic Bishops Lament by Kingpele(m): 12:09pm On Jul 22, 2021 |
God help us, I don't know why our public servants seems to come out from the same stock ,very heartless beasts ,you want to live in peace yet you fail to work for peace ,he want to be alive yet u refused to use the power( u desired for decades and failed till 2015) to secure lives and properties of citizens that voted for you ...This government indeed have failed us 1 Like |
Re: Nigeria No Longer At Ease, Catholic Bishops Lament by candidbabe(f): 12:09pm On Jul 22, 2021 |
No be today na E don tey 1 Like |
Re: Nigeria No Longer At Ease, Catholic Bishops Lament by All4fun: 12:11pm On Jul 22, 2021 |
“To all our fellow Nigerians, we say, stand firm and never lose hope for God cannot be defeated......we need help in the country because nothing is working just imagine me selling Instagram followers with comments and views to survive......life no balance
You're just a click away from getting your first USA, Canada and UK number for whatsapp and telegram verification... check my signature for contacting 1 Like |
Re: Nigeria No Longer At Ease, Catholic Bishops Lament by temitope27(m): 12:11pm On Jul 22, 2021 |
Buhari should be assassinated as soon as possible 7 Likes |
Re: Nigeria No Longer At Ease, Catholic Bishops Lament by modaink333: 12:11pm On Jul 22, 2021 |
With the way I see things in this country, In three months time, Nigeria will be history 3 Likes |
Re: Nigeria No Longer At Ease, Catholic Bishops Lament by Nobody: 12:12pm On Jul 22, 2021 |
Is the fault of Fulani oligarchs in power... 2 Likes |
Re: Nigeria No Longer At Ease, Catholic Bishops Lament by modaink333: 12:12pm On Jul 22, 2021 |
[quote author=KillMNKnow post=103961268] The constitution says that we are a secular society that does not allow religion influence the government. Section 101 of the Nigerian Constitution provides: “The Government of the Federation or of a State shall not adopt any religion as State Religion.” This is supported by Section 10 of The 1999 Constitution: “It may be argued in the light of this provision that religious symbols (indigenous or received) have no place on public lands, national edifices, currency, flag, coat of arms, anthem, pledge and other national symbols. By this section, Nigeria is declared to be a secular state and therefore cannot join any organization that has a religious connotation’’. The churches should stop interfering in You be cow 1 Like |
Re: Nigeria No Longer At Ease, Catholic Bishops Lament by princealexndre(m): 12:12pm On Jul 22, 2021 |
Picking up @High rate today |
Re: Nigeria No Longer At Ease, Catholic Bishops Lament by Livingstone124: 12:12pm On Jul 22, 2021 |
There was a country. Rest in peace Chnua Achebe 5 Likes |
Re: Nigeria No Longer At Ease, Catholic Bishops Lament by BrickDevo: 12:12pm On Jul 22, 2021 |
Dead and gone!! 1 Like |