AFRICA

Conscience Of Nigerian Leaders Dead, Says Archbishop Kaigama

Nigerians should pray for their leaders handling the resources of the country so that they will develop the spirit of selflessness and direct the public funds for judicious use, the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Ignatius Kaigama, has said.

He said there is rot and blatant misuse of public resources in Nigeria because many have allowed their conscience to die, adding that while they see no wrong in their evil actions, they rationalise sin and criminally take for themselves what belongs to all.

According to him, if Nigerians avoid politics of pleasure and the mentality of leadership without sacrifice, far-reaching positive changes will be possible.

The cleric in his Homily delivered at Saints Peter and Paul Parish, Nyanya in Abuja on Sunday said that unfortunately, in the struggle to occupy lucrative leadership positions, some leaders don’t care if others die for their political ambitions, while they are comfortable with their families at home, or having their children well protected overseas.

He said, “Jesus declared in the Gospel that His soul is troubled. Many things trouble us in our country: the high inflation and ravaging hunger, crime, insecurity, moral decadence, corruption, poverty, disease, etc., all throw us into depression and misery. We must however, take these to God in prayer and seek His help as the Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

“We must all pay attention to the voice of God in our consciences. The degree of rot and blatant misuse of public resources of this great country is because many have allowed their conscience to die. They see no wrong in their evil actions. They rationalize sin and criminally take for themselves what belongs to all.

“Dying to self is the only way a new Nigeria will germinate and grow, to produce patriotic citizens who do nothing from selfish ambition; not looking only for their interests, but also the interests of fellow Nigerians.

“If Nigerians avoid politics of pleasure and the mentality of leadership without sacrifice, far-reaching positive changes will be possible. Unfortunately, in the struggle to occupy lucrative leadership positions, some leaders don’t care if others die for their (leaders’) political ambitions, while they are comfortable with their families at home, or having their children well protected overseas.

“It is only by dying to self that good governance can be entrenched. Jesus warns that he who loves his life, loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.

“We must intensify prayers for our leaders who handle our resources, so that they will develop the spirit of selflessness and direct the humongous resources consumed by the high cost of governance and the maintenance” of leaders, to improve the lives of the suffering Nigerians.”

Friday Olokor, Abuja