INDEPENDENCE: ARCHBISHOP IBEZIM, BISHOP EZEOKAFOR TASK POLITICAL LEADERS TO BE ACCOUNTABLE

Reporter : NDU NWANNAH

Two top religious leaders in Anambra State have called on political representatives to focus on issues that will alleviate the plight of the masses. They made the call, while addressing journalists on the occasion of Nigeria’s 60th Independence Anniversary.

One of them, the Archbishop of the Province of the Niger and Anglican Bishop of Awka Diocese, the Most Reverend Alexander Ibezim, explained that political leadership revolved around accountability to ensure the growth of democracy. The Most Reverend  Ibezim stressed that the masses would only be happy when they extracted effective representation from those elected into positions of authority.

He described corruption as one of the greatest challenges retarding the development of Nigeria and urged leaders to deemphasize graft, to enhance her socio- economic growth.

According to the Anglican Archbishop, political leaders must make efforts to address economic and political problems affecting the country through sincere approach to resolving issues.

The Most Reverend Ibezim, who noted that Nigerians were highly religious, advised the people to pray fervently as well as do the right things to enable God intervene in their problems.

Also, briefing journalists, the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, the Most Reverend Paulinus Ezeokafor, bemoaned the leadership challenges facing Nigeria in her 60 years history as an independent nation.

The Most Reverend Ezeokafor was of the opinion that the nation had the intellectual and natural resources needed to propel development, when utilized appropriately.

He frowned upon the soaring unemployment level in the country, stressing that revenue generated from the Removal of Oil Subsidy should be utilized in creating more jobs and improving the lots of the people. The Bishop was unhappy with the condition of refineries in Nigeria, noting that the nation had no business importing petroleum products.

The Most Reverend Ezeokafor urged governments across the country to put measures in place to make the roads safe for transportation through prompt rehabilitation.

He, however, expressed happiness with the strategies deployed by INEC that ensured a hitch free and credible election in Edo State and urged the commission not to deviate from such standard in future.

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