The Catholic Bishop of Awka diocese, Anambra State, Most Rev Paulinus Ezeokafor, has asked the Federal Government to use the occasion of the 57th Independence anniversary of the country to address some vexed issues.
He said matters of inequalities and marginalisation of some areas of the country were real and should be addressed to assuage various agitations in the country .
He made the call at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Awka, the Anambra State capital during his Independence anniversary message to journalists.
He said most Nigerians were not happy which he said was evidenced in the plethora of agitations across the country.
He said, “As Nigeria marks her 57th independence anniversary , we need to build an egalitarian society devoid of marginalisation and inequality .
“At 57 , the nation should be united and every section of the country should be given equal representation in the polity; no part of the nation should be an opportunity cost to the other” .
He said the issue of restructuring should not be treated with levity, adding that the voice of the people should be harken to on the matter. ” Allow wisdom to prevail, because I think restructuring will guarantee devolution of powers to the states to enable them have authority over their own resources and development” .
The bishop admonished the Federal Government to allocate more resources to power, education and health.
He said this would better the lot of the masses while drawing attention of the Federal Government to the deplorable condition of federal roads in the southeast region and other parts of the country. The bishop appealed for commencement of remedial works on the roads to save lives.
Meanwhile, the governorship candidate of Peoples Democratic Party in the November 18 poll in the state, Mr Oseloka Obaze,EDITED has described this year’s celebration as unique in many ways.
He said ,”First, it is being celebrated against the backdrop of excruciating recession caused by poor economic judgment of the APC-led Federal government and exacerbated by the reckless fiscal policies and related expenditure of our state government. “Secondly, the celebration is coming up at a period of great expectations by all of us at the prospect of a regime change in our dear State.
He added,” I see a bright light at the end of the tunnel, a hope kindled by our belief that with your support in the forthcoming governorship election I will be in the position to transform the governance mode of our dear state and provide the leadership skills required for 21st century Anambra State. Surely, you will agree with me that Anambra deserves better”.
“I ask that you set aside sentiments and vote out a government that is definitely not working for common interest. Let us use our votes jointly to usher in an era of good governance and prosperity.
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