Yemisi Izuora
The Archbishop of the Abuja Diocese of the Catholic Church, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, has advised President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure unity of the country.
Speaking in Abuja after the Palm Sunday service, the Archbishop also advised the President to look outside the crop of politicians while appointing people into public offices.
The Cardinal opined that there were a lot of credible and ably qualified Nigerians who are not politicians and who can serve the nation creditably well.
“If I had the chance, I wouldn’t mind kneeling before President Buhari to say let us bring this country together and let your people stop using the kind of language we are hearing from them. It is not right and good for us as a country.
” We are one nation and brothers and sisters to one another. Whether you are a Muslim or a Christian does not matter. You may be in the APC or PDP or even be apolitical, we are one nation.
“The Pope recently went to South Sudan and kissed the feet of their leaders who are fighting each other. Their situation is not Muslims versus Christians and he asked them why are they killing themselves,” he said.
Onaiyekan also noted that the country has a lot of people who are not politicians who can help make her great.
“The county is big and has a lot of wonderful people both in the ruling party and in the opposition. There are also many people who are not politicians and who want to be part of the project called Nigeria. It is a mistake to think only politicians can lead us well.
” There are many people who are not politicians and who can do better in public office. Such people can be given the chance to contribute their own quota to the development of the country too,” he said.
On the recent general elections, Onaiyekan said those who won should not think others do not matter, while those who lose should also not engage in sabotage.
The Cardinal stated, “If God is ready to reconcile with mankind through our Lord Jesus Christ, why can’t we reconcile with one another.”