Cross River: Cleric applauds Governor Otu’s people-centered leadership approach
The Bishop of Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, Diocese of Calabar, Prof. Nneoyi Onen Egbe has applauded Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State for his people-centered leadership approach so far.
Bishop Egbe made the assertion on Sunday when he played host to the Third Session of the Eleventh SYNOD held at the Cathedral Church of the Holy Trinity, Calabar, Cross River State.
In his words, “We have a new government in place now which we believe will be more open to input from leaders of thought in the state. Early engagement with the religious leaders will provide the platform for a more people-oriented governance and to the Prince Otu-led government of Cross River State I want to say he has shown early signs of interest in her people”
He said the government should learn to seek early advice always from religious leaders at all times, and not only in the moment of crisis.
“The practice of only running to the religious leaders when the crises occur is a government that does not value her people, and only pay attention to them when threatened”
On the recent calling for the Islamization of Nigeria by the former governor of Kaduna State Mallam El Rufai, the Clergy called for caution.
He said, “People who only focus on their side of human existence should not be taken seriously. Mallam El Rufai can create whatever he so desires with his family”
“Certainly, not Nigeria. In my opinion, Nigeria is too big for such to happen. When statements are made like this one listeners also have the right to declare their republics”
“Therefore, we should remain caution for such unguarded utterances is meant to spur up the bad blood among the stakeholders in the Nigerian project”
“If this statement were made from another sector of our polity, many voices would have risen to condemn it in totality and seek to verify him. Truth be told, if he calls for the Islamic Republic, and if Christians also calls for the Christian Republic, and then Republics from all other religions sentiments calls for their own republic in the country how would the country look like”
“To me, such talks are meant to create a diversion for them politicians, to continue stealing our collective inheritance, while we are busy debating responses of their statements” the man of God warned.
On the state of the Nation following the recent removal of the Petrol Subsidy, and the plan for Electricity Subsidy Removal by the Federal government of Nigeria the Clergy says, he opposed the lack of adequate preparation for the action but has offered his support for the removal.
He maintaining that “Many Nigerians have been aware of the level of corruption and criminality surrounding fuel Subsidy over the years. No right-thinking person can supports this. While we commend its removal at the same time we are very opposed to the lack of adequate preparation for the action”
“And coming in its wake is the increase in electricity tariff. What has the government put in place to ameliorate the pains and suffering borne by Nigerians, for every one of similar policies of the government, the Nigerian masses have borne the brunt thereof”
“Now, I have concluded that people who rule us do not take decisions for the good of the nation and their people, but for their interest.
He cites examples of the former government that shelves the removal to enable its ruling party to win the elections.
“An example is the former president shelving the removal of fuel Subsidy so that his party will win the elections” Is there any reason to believe that these Subsidy Removal are not meant to feed some few people’s greed?” The Clergyman inquired.
The man of God also insists that if care is not taken government would soon compel its citizens to pay for the air they breathe.
He said, “I tell you the truth, at the rate we are going, the government will soon make Nigerians pay for the air we breathe” the Clergy lamented.
On whether, democracy has been a blessing or curse to Nigerians, Rt. Bishop Egbe opined that, “What we have in the country can be described as KLEPTOCARY.
He insisted that there is no democracy in Nigeria we only have civilians in Government, but it is definitely, not a democracy. We will be able to answer this question when we have a democracy in place in the country. If you ask what we presently had in the country, I will personally describe it as a KLEPTOCARY or simply take it to be a government that mean KLEPTOCRY, a government of snatch it, grab it and run with it, that is the type of government we had in Nigeria currently”
On the expectations at the end of the SYNOD, tagged “SEE”
Rt. Rev. Eggs says, “We expect the Lord will “Open” and expand our ability to SEE things as He sees them, more so, we have promises of God’s working among us and the varied provisions He has made for our success in the Diocese. But not many of us seem to understand the depth of God’s boundless provisions, His presence, and empowerment is available in this Diocese”
“Therefore, I strongly believe that by abundance grace we will come out of SYNOD with a renewed awareness of the wealth within us and around us that will propel us toward achieving the mandate of God upon our lives as individuals and as a Diocese” The Clergy assured.
