Methodist Archbishop of Abuja, His Grace, the Most Rev. Joseph Oche Job, has accused Nigerian elites of exploiting the religious and ethnic fault lines in the country for selfish gains.
The Bishop’s statement came as former Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, retd, warned that the spate of insecurity and the clamour for self-determination in parts of Nigeria could destabilise the country, if urgent action is not taken to address the challenges.
He stated: “To us, there are three problems besetting Nigeria. They are ignorance, poverty and hatred. If we are able to overcome these challenges, terrorism will no longer be a problem for us.
“However, the elite in the country are not ignorant, but they seem to be fueling the problems for their own advantage. They want more money and power. Let us pray for everyone to understand the need to love this nation more than money.”
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In the same vein, Executive Secretary, Nigeria Inter-religious Council, Fr. Prof. Cornelius Omonokhua, explained that the reason Nigeria seemed not working for all citizens had nothing to do with either religion or ethnicity but greed.
He, therefore, called for greater societal emphasis on modesty and proper religious and secular education, stressing that greedy politicians would stop at nothing to brainwash the ignorant and exploit them to foment trouble.
To address these challenges, the Co-Chair, Interfaith Dialogue Forum for Peace, Bishop Sunday Onuoha, said: “I strongly recommend that the country and its leaders must commit to expunging the ‘State of Origin’ and ‘Religion’ concept when our information/biodata is required for filling forms, applying for jobs or on our international passports.
“We must de-emphasize our faith leanings and rather, emphasize our common humanity and not bring religious sentiments to governance. Nigerians must face the issues of national development and rise above religious sentiments if we are to be listed among the developed nations.
“Also, politicians must remember that they have a role to play in punishing those who offend the laws of the land. There should be no sacred cows and there should be no selective justice in dealing with offenders.”