Archbishop in Nigeria Decries “blatant misuse of public resources”, Says Perpetrators “rationalize sin”

 “A grain dies to regenerate, so we die every day when we stand up for justice, and truth and when we say no to sin, corruption, and immorality,” the Nigerian Catholic Archbishop said, and added, “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,” he said March 17 at the Eucharistic celebration where he conferred the Sacrament of Confirmation on 257 candidates.

He continued, “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.”

The Local Ordinary of Abuja Archdiocese since November 2019 appealed for prayers for those in leadership positions, saying, “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.”

The Catholic Church leader, who started his Episcopal Ministry in April 1995 as Bishop of Nigeria’s Jalingo Diocese went on to urge candidates for the Sacrament of Confirmation to be soldiers of Christ without counting the cost.

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“Life consists of self-sacrifice,” he said, adding, “It is not what we take up, but what we give up. Live your life not only thinking about yourself but also the good of others.”

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.