Shun Greed, Corruption, Selfishness, British MP Urges Nigerian lawmakers

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, News, Politics Thursday, October 23rd, 2014

Ayodele Afolabi, Abuja

An African member of the British Parliament, Lord Paul Boateng, has urged his Nigerian counterparts and other political office holders in the Nigeria legislature, to avoid greed, corruption and selfishness, as much as possible.

He called on them to be guided by the fear of God in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.

Boateng, a Ghanian and Peer in the British House of Lords, stated this in Abuja while delivering a keynote address at this year’s edition of the National Prayer Breakfast organised by the National Assembly.

The British parliamentarian, who spoke on the topic, “A Nation at crossroads: The need for godly leadership”, specifically advised them to see their election into the parliament as a calling to serve their constituents, and not an opportunity to amass wealth for themselves.

He also urged them to exhibit confidence by being committed to the needs, yearning and aspirations of their constituency and their country, saying “the task of lawmaking is a calling that must be prosecuted only through the leading of God and His Holy Spirit.

He added that anyone wanting to represent his or her people in whatever capacity effectively, must posses the character of God so that he or she would be able to competently address the plights of all vulnerable groups with confidence.

According to him, “the various crises, destructive epidemics and the worrisome rate of corruption ravaging African countries, could only be tackled if all leaders and their followers, played their roles well in the polity”.

His words: “We can be said to be real agents of transformation if as leaders, we equip ourselves with the right attitudes to deliver justice with the fear of God.

“A parliamentarian who is above board, would have all the necessary qualifications to provide necessary leadership skills and competence required to address the problems confronting their constituents.

“Earlier in his remarks at the occasion, the Chairman of the Programme, Senator Uche Chukwumerije (PDP Abia North), said in their determination to be more closer to God, members of the prayer group had concluded plans to build a worship centre within the National Assembly complex.

He also said all arrangements had been perfected to constitute National Prayer Group Choir.

The event was attended by Senate President, David Mark; his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu; Deputy speaker, House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha; and other lawmakers from both chambers of the National Assembly.