Poor leadership by Jonathan, others killing Nigeria, says Cardinal Okogie

The Archbishop of Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, Anthony Okogie, has expressed concern over the inability of President Goodluck Jonathan and other leaders to provide purposeful leadership for the country.

He also expressed concern over the jostle for power among Nigerian politicians.

Mr. Okogie, a Cardinal, said on Sunday that their inordinate ambition was at the expense of the welfare of the citizenry.

He said the continued neglect of the welfare of the majority of Nigerians by the nation’s leaders might lead to further adverse consequences.

In a statement issued in Lagos, the Cardinal noted that elected political office holders had failed to provide Nigerians with basic needs of life in 2012.

He attributed the rate of kidnappings, corruption and insecurity in the country to “dearth of purposeful leadership“.

Mr. Okogie called on the public office holders to devote more time to quality leadership and cease from intrigues and jostle for power over the 2015 general elections.

‘‘Nigeria is in dire state of disrepute. It appears there is no government’s presence at the three tiers and yet the nation’s political leaders claim that all is well.

“Our youth are already being led astray, they are like sheep without shepherd and yet they are told that they are the leaders of tomorrow. How can they lead well if they are not given good examples to follow?

“Many of our schools have now become breeding grounds for all sorts of immorality. This is unacceptable,” he said.

Mr. Okogie noted that the nation was richly blessed with human and natural resources.

He also stressed that it was imperative to harness these resources and provide the citizens with the necessary amenities.

“There is no justification for government’s failure to provide its citizens with the basic amenities of life, such as good roads, affordable housing, constant power supply and gainful employment,” he added.

The cleric prayed God to shower His blessings on and offer protection to Nigerian citizens, and for nation’s lasting peace and unity in 2013.

NAN