LAGOS—AS Muslims in Nigeria join their counterparts worldwide to begin a month of Ramadan, a period of fasting and prayers, the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie has sent greetings to them, admonishing both spiritual and temporal leaders to be sensitive to the yearnings of their peoples so as to ensure accelerated peace and progress.
“Leaders should do those things that will improve the lives of their people, ensure that justice prevails and not do what should curtail their freedom,” he said in a goodwill message to Muslims.
In the mesage made available by Rev. Fr. Gabriel Osu, the Director of Social Communications at the Lagos archdiocese, Cardinal Okogie further exhorted the Nigerian government: “I advise our leaders/governments not only to be listening ones as they have said, but should respond positively and implement those programmes and actions that would be of immense benefit to the prople.”
Reacting to the spontaneous reaction of world leaders, particularly the Muslim world to the killing of Ken Bigley in Iraq despite the intervention of many Muslim leaders and delegation from London, the Cardinal remarked that it was edifying and showed universal recognition of the sacrednes of life. That singular action united the world, he stressed.
He congratulated Muslims for their show of solidarity.
According to Cardinal Okogie, “we should, in the same vein pursue those things that make for peace and progress not what should divide us and leave a sour spot in our life and world.
“Our leaders both spiritual and temporal should realise that we are accountable to God and to the people. They should hearken to the yearnings of the people and not do those things, which widen the gulf of hunger and suffering and poverty,” he stated.
Drawing an analogy between the Muslim exercise and the fuel price hike that has induced a national strike, Cardinal Okogie stated that it was a period of serious spiritual reflection and prayers for peace and unity and national spiritual rearmament.
“In this mood of the nation, I call for sober reflection by both the leaders and the led. I appeal earnestly to our leaders mostly for reason and compassion,” he said, adding “I pray to God to touch the hearts of the leaders, both spiritual and temporal to soften their hearts so that they could lead aright and implement good political, social and economic programmes for the good of our people and our nation.”
