Oil Theft: Cleric Decries Lack of Holiness, Righteousness in Government

The Most Rev. David Onuoha Archbishop of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province has buttressed his assertion on the lack of holiness and righteousness in government, making reference to oil theft currently going on in the oil and gas sector of the economy.

 

The Archbishop made the assertion recently, at the Archbishop  Episcopal villa, Ezeoke  Nsu, Ehime Mbano local government area of Imo State as he marked the second year of his election as Archbishop of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province and expressed worry that holiness and righteousness are lacking in the administration of Nigeria.

 

According to him, unfortunately, major political parties in the forthcoming elections have kept mute over this 'vampire' that has for a long time been draining the blood of the nation's economy, stressing that it was recently that the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi and Alhaji Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and erstwhile Emir of Kano made it an issue at the front burner that Federal Government woke up to its responsibility.

 

On how the Church can contribute to changing the narratives, the Prelate said that the Church does not get involved in partisan politics, but has the duty to sensitize and persuade those in government to enthrone justice and equity, advocate for good governance, interrogate the people on issues in the society concerning them as well as praying for those in government and the people generally.

 

To actualize these, he stated that the Church organised the maiden edition 'Imo Prays' which took place at the Heroes' Square, Owerri in November 2021 with the second edition slated for November 2022. "Insecurity and hardships in the society are enough to call for such intercession. “There is nothing we can do unless God does not come to our help", Most Rev. Onuoha noted.

 

The religious leader however expressed disappointment over the same-faith ticket, a matter, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has taken a position on irrespective of any political party affected, and the Anglican Church is a member of CAN. Accordingly, he pointed out that CAN has condemned the same-faith tickets and every Christian is expected to align with CAN's position.

 

Most Rev. David Onuoha described same-faith ticket as a mark of insensitivity and arrogance. "It is like telling the other groups that they do not matter. It is a knife capable of dividing Nigeria", he said.

 

He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for promising Nigerians a free and fair election in 2023. He added that the recent performances of INEC in Edo, Anambra, and the Osun States are indications that the electoral umpire is poised for a credible, free, and fair election.

 

The Archbishop revealed that part of his vision is making the Anglican Church more visible in the province. To achieve this he said that the Church has concluded plans to establish an administrative centre in the state capital, Owerri. In addition to that the Justice, Equity, Society and Development Commission will be put into action with a view to awakening the consciousness and conscientization of the government and the people.