The Anglican Archbishop of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev. David Onuoha, has lamented that Nigeria of today, looks more like a murder land than a motherland.
Onuoha made the lamentation, in
a 117-page presidential address he delivered, weekend, at the first session of
the 11th synod of the Diocese of Okigwe South, held at Emmanuel Church, Ehume,
Obowo local council area of Imo State.
His words: “The consequences of
past misdeeds, neglect, and wrong choices combined to make Nigeria of today,
look like a land that devours its inhabitants, one that looks more like a
murder land than a motherland.
“The search for a Nigeria that
works, one that inspires hope, ensures safety, and engenders prosperity, has
continued since her political independence about 64 years ago.
“However, one single business
that seems to have thrived over these years is corruption, which is so
pervasive and endemic. It cuts across the social strata, from the hawker in the
street to the highest offices in the land.
“The cutting edge fraud
witnessed in the 2023 elections, the handling of the petitions that ensued, the
recent war between the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, with
some political heavyweights, the allegations trailing the award of certain
contracts, as well as the impunity which some public office holders exhibit,
sign-post grave danger for our dear country.
“The distress in the society
today, ranging from poverty, unemployment, insecurity, and hunger, is a result
of corruption that has bedeviled this country over the years.
“Public funds meant for the
development of the society, are siphoned in such a senseless and primitive
manner. The situation will become even worse until this hydraheaded monster is
tackled head-on and made unattractive.”
Family corruption
While recalling his previous
plea that members of the family of a corruption convict should also share in
the punishment, Onuoha also opined that Nigeria has not made the desired
progress in nation building.
Onuoha said: “Nigeria has not
made the desired progress in nationbuilding because as an amalgamation of
different ethnic nationalities, there is no common core value propelling or
undergirding our behaviours, aspirations and expectations.
“It is evident that this core
value exists at the level of the various component units that make up the
country. This may be the reason why tribal sentiments and/or considerations are
very prominent in any national discussion.
“It is, therefore, very necessary that restructuring the country, along the six geo-political zones, is seen as the key that will unlock the greatness of Nigeria.
“Restructuring must not be seen
as disintegration, but a rediscovery of the good old days of regional
government in Nigeria, where the pursuit of core values engendered healthy
competition and growth among the regions. This, no doubt, announced Nigeria’s greatness
to the outside world.
“While we all agree that the
unity of Nigeria is not negotiable, returning to the vision of the founding
fathers of the country, by encouraging regional governments that contribute to
the centre, is the best way to strengthen the unity of Nigeria. It is time to
end this suffocation and let in fresh air in our land.”
Post a Comment