Cleric tasks Nigerian leaders on anti-corruption

The cleric advised the leaders to demonstrate maturity in handling their political differences.
The Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church Worldwide has advised the Federal Government to avoid grandstanding on fighting corruption in 2014.

The Chairman and spiritual leader of the Church, Samuel Abidoye, stated this in his New Year message to the country which was made available on Wednesday to journalists in Abeokuta, the Ogun State
capital.

Apparently referring to the recent war of words via letters between former president Olusegun Obasanjo and President Goodluck Jonathan, the cleric advised the leaders of the country to demonstrate maturity in handling their political differences.

In the message entitled – “Be Hopeful, My Beloved Country”, the cleric said it is not enough for the government to have the various anti-graft agencies without putting them on the proper footing to
function effectively.

Mr. Abidoye pointed out that the nonchalance usually demonstrated by the government regarding its much talked about anti-corruption crusade had further emboldened the perpetrators of the act to continue in their nefarious and ungodly activities.

The message also enjoined the government to effectively punish corrupt political and public office holders as well as individuals found to have soiled their hands; rather than paying lip service to combating the anti-social behaviour.

“Instances of corruption by government officials and lack of diligent prosecution of those caught in the act by the government tend to send wrong signals to observers about our sincerity in fighting sleaze in
government. The Otedola/Farouk Gate, the OduahGate, the Maina Gate are some instances that could be mentioned.

“Also, what has happened to those accused of robbing the country blind in the oil sector through illegal collection of fuel subsidy? It is not enough to posture about intolerance for corruption; offenders
should be prosecuted to drive home the point. The government needs to prove that they deserve our trust before they start another round of electioneering to ask us to vote them back into power.”

Mr. Abidoye cautioned the nation’s past and current leaders about their conduct, particularly whenever they disagree over issues affecting the country.

He emphasised the need for nation’s leaders to avoid “dancing naked in the market place’, saying that it was needless for the nation’s leaders to wash their dirty linen in public because of their differences.

“In terms of governance in general, there needs to be a display of more maturity by our leaders, both in and out of government. Dancing naked in the market place just to prove that one can do so is going
too far. A leader is expected to exhibit decorum and behave with certain dignity that will make people to respect them. How can we as civilised people be washing our dirty linen in the public? Having political differences does not need to make us enemies of one another. At least, we can disagree to agree as we have always done,” the cleric said.

He also asked the leaders to improve on the poor electricity supply and bad roads in order to improve
the economy. He said that the Federal Government should tighten security across the country this year. He also noted that the perpetrators of violence had become more daring in their attacks as
even military formations were no longer spared.

“I am convinced that this country will turn the corner for good. The nation will survive these challenges because it is a phase that will soon pass away. Let us cooperate with one another and with our
governments to move the country forward. Let have hope that tomorrow will be better. Let us believe in God that He will intervene on our behalf to turn our country around for good. Let us live in hope that
all of us will eat the good of this land and that we will rejoice at the end of the day,” said the cleric.