As the Catholic Bishop charges youths to shun cultism
The National Secretary, Catholic Bishop Conference of Nigeria(CBCN), Dr. Camillus R. Umoh has commended Nigerian youths for standing up for their rights during the EndSARS protest as he described the protest as a sign of a new Nigeria.
Umo who is also the Bishop of Ikot Ekpene Catholic Diocese asserted that the time has come for Nigerian youths to learn to demand for their rights peacefully and through legitimate means.
The Bishop was speaking at a burial ceremony in Essien Udim, Akwa Ibom State where he added that the elders in the country have failed young people in all ramifications of life.
The Catholic Bishop posited that the protest was a step in the right direction taken by Nigerian youths to demand for their rights from governments but condemned the hijacked of the peaceful protest by hoodlums to loot, destroy and vandalize both public and private facilities across the country.
Bishop Umoh who condoled with family of those who lost their loved ones and properties during the violence in the country.
According to him, if nothing is done quickly about the demands of the youths and bad governance in Nigeria through adequate youth empowerment programmes worse scenerio may befall the country.
He condemned attacks on outspoken priests and other Nigerians who are speaking against the ills in the society noting that they are not intimidated and “will never be” as no one can surppress that truth.
“We are not slaves in Nigeria. Don’t see yourself as a slave. Rise up and demand for your right but you must do that peacefully and legitimately,” the Catholic Priest posited.
Bishop Umoh frowned at the way different regions in the country are playing down on the genuine demands of the youths by trading blames.
“It is unfortunate that the Northern Governors and Southern Governors are singing discordance tunes instead of coming together to chart the way forward for the country.”
“This is not the time to aportion blames and spread rumors and suspect one another.
“It is surprising to hear the Northerners accusing the South of trying to divide the country through the protest and the Southerners are saying a different thing. This is not good. It is not supposed to be like that,” Umoh remarks.
The Catholic Bishop however tasked Nigerian youths on skill acquisition so as to be resourceful and enterprising, the Catholic Bishop charged Nigerian youths to shun cultism, thuggery, political manipualations and other anti-social vices and be more responsible and useful for themselves and the society in general.
The Catholic Bishop urged the youths who are already involved in secret cult activities to redeem themselves from it and give their lives to God to liberate them.
He called on the youth to resist the temptation of being manipulated politically by some politicians who do not mean well for them as he also charged Nigerian politicians to desist from initiating the youths into secret cult and thuggery because of their selfish ambitions but should rather develop the youth and prepare them for future leadership.
