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Okogie in Benin
Okogie in Benin, laments economic, political crises
VINCENT ADEKOYE,
Benin
CATHOLIC Archbishop
of the Metropolitan See of Lagos, Dr. Anthony Olubunmi Cardinal Okogie, is sad
over the current economic and political situations in Nigeria. He said those who
fought for the country’s independence and are even alive, are presently weeping
while those dead are groaning in their graves.
Cardinal Okogie bared his mind in Benin,
the Edo State capital, weekend, at a cocktail party organised in his honour by
the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin.
The Cardinal was in the state on a
four-day visit.
He said the thought of God for Nigeria is
for a rich and peaceful nation where His love will continue to radiate in the
hearts of both the rulers and the ruled.
Cardinal Okogie declared that instead of
developing Nigeria and extending same to the rest of Africa through the abundant
natural resources deposited in the belly of the nation’s soil by God, "our
leaders have continued to enrich themselves to the detriment of the masses".
He said Nigerians working abroad are
breaking even but that the atmosphere of fear and uncertainty which pervades the
country has barred them from coming to invest in Nigeria despite the advent of
democracy.
According to him, "if things are going on
well in this country, there would have been no need for any strike like the one
we experienced last week."
"It is sad that things are not going on
well in this country and that is why those, dead or alive, who fought for the
country’s independence are presently weeping.
"All hands must be on deck to build a new,
united and progressive nation called Nigeria where love and unity will be of
greater priority," Cardinal Okogie stated.
At the dedication of the multi-million
naira Saint Anthony’s Catholic Church, Uromi, Okogie’s birthplace, the highly
respected cleric called on Nigerians to have a change of heart towards one
another, adding that lack of love is responsible for the killings.
Prominent Nigerians at the event included,
former military Vice-President, Admiral Augustus Aikhomu, Governors Lucky
Igbinedion and Peter Odili of Edo and Rivers States respectively, acting
Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees, Chief Tony Anenih,
Minister for Solid Minerals, Elder Odion Ugbesia and deputy governor of Edo
State, Chief Mike Ogiadomhe.
There were also senators, members of the
House of Representatives and members of the Edo State House of Assembly, among
others.
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