Catholic Bishop Blasts Nigerian Political Leaders Over Plight of Youths

Posted by African Examiner Enugu, Featured, Ignatius Okpara, Latest Headlines Friday, October 11th, 2013

Catholic Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, Rev Fr. Prof. Godfrey Igwebuike Onah

From Ignatius Okpara, Enugu

The Catholic Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, Rev Fr. Professor Godfrey Igwebuike Onah, on Friday at Ede-Oballa, in Nsukka local government Area of Enugu State, tongue lashed Nigerian politicians over the plight of the youths and generality of the masses in the country, saying the suffering future leaders may soon revolt.

The Bishop spoke passionately at the funeral mass for the mother of Enugu state chairman of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party PDP, Mr. Vita Abba, Lolo Josephin Oyima Abba.

Catholic Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, Rev Fr. Prof. Godfrey Igwebuike Onah

Bishop Onah, had warned political leaders in Nigeria to retrace their steps especially in corruption, as it would not be possible to quench the indignation of Nigerian youths who would soon run out of patience.

He also cautioned that it would be difficult to stop the youths if they were further pushed to frustration. The Catholic cleric, had thrown posers to both the government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, on the reasons behind the over three-month-old industrial action by the union.

He said from his interactions with Nigerians, the inability of both parties to end the lingering strike was unjustifiable and inexcusable.

“I know that I have enough persons here and also hopefully enough instruments to carry this message to the ears of the highest echelons of power in this country.

“The common people, the students and their parents, whom I represent, do not believe the explanations the politicians and the academics are giving for thestrike; we don’t believe them and we are appealing to them in God’s name to remember we will all end this way (pointing to the dead); let them end this strike immediately.

“I want to ask a question; it is a question not a statement; I am asking the leadership of the government in this country- is it really true that you don’t have enough money to improve upon the quality of education in this country or is it rather that you are stocking up money in preparation for 2015 in order to buy your way to power or to secure your future indefinitely through corruption?”

Turning to academics, the Bishop said, “is it really true that you are interested in improving the quality of education in this country or have all of you becomevictims and hostages of a self-seeking leadership that is only seeking to satisfy its interest and be settled?”

The cleric continued, “let me warn you, it is a warning, if you try to push the young people of this country to desperation, no amount of money that you hoard will be able to assure you security and safety.

“When they get angry, if I am able to use the expression of our legend the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, it will be an avalanche of accumulated indignation, you can’t stop angry youths, you can’t dialogue with a person who has nothing to lose.”

Dignitaries at the funeral church service included Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, Enugu Deputy Governor, Mr. Sunday Onyebuchi, former Governor of the state, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Eugene Odoh, as well as emeritus Bishop of Nsukka Catholic Diocese, Bishop Francis Okobo, Bishop Sosthenes Eze of the Anglican Communion, members of the federal House of Representatives from the state, among others.