The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, John Onaiyekan, has urged Nigerians not to be carried away by the emotional speeches of some politicians.
According to him, the original sin holding Nigeria down was selfishness.
Onaiyekan pointed out that selfishness has become the primary objective and moving principle in the lives of many Nigerians.
According to him, the country needed a concept of politics that is based on the readiness of politicians to serve Nigerians.
The cleric was one of the guests at the Interfaith Conference on Religious Harmony in Nigeria, organized by the Interfaith Initiative for Peace in Abuja on Saturday..
He said, “Selfishness at all levels – personal, family, tribal, regional, and even religious. This is at the root of corruption, violence, disloyalty and the win-at-all-cost and by-all-means syndrome at elections.
“If we continue this way, good governance, genuine democracy, national unity, peace and prosperity for all Nigerians will continue to elude us.”
“We need a concept of politics that is based on the readiness to serve the common good of all Nigerians. The emphasis should be on service.
“Not self-service. We the people, on our part, should stop looking for local heroes and tribal champions, who most of the time, do not care, really, about our local needs nor those of the nation,” he added.
Onaiyekan noted that politics should no longer be an avenue for money-making at the expense of the people, who are supposed to be served.
He, therefore, urged all those interested in making money to go into competitive business, where hard work and competence determined success.
He further urged Nigerians not to allow people to continue to take advantage of their political positions to steal the country’s wealth.
“This is the change that Nigerians should be looking for, beyond slogans and emotional speeches and promises.
“In my view, this is what the forthcoming 2019 elections should be about.
“There is need for revolution, a change of mindset, attitude and behaviour patterns.
“This means addressing the heart and soul of Nigerians and leading them into spiritual combat.
“This is what religion – any genuine religion – is supposed to be all about.
“As religious leaders, we need to move from emphasis on competition for dominance to cooperation towards the common good of the entire society.
“We must join hands and our voices to preach a common and clear message of peace and justice, ready to condemn evil, wherever it is found,” Onaiyekan stated.
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