By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko, Ibadan
The Catholic Bishop of Oyo, Most Rev. Emmanuel Badejo, has called on Nigerians to re-focus their energies on charting new dawn ahead of the country.
Badejo made the call on Saturday in Ibadan, in his independence message to Nigerians, entitled: “Working for a New Dawn”.
“Nigeria and Nigerians deserve a new burst of hope as we celebrate another anniversary of the country’s independence on Oct. 1.
“The numerous challenges we face need no re-enumeration, so let’s us re-focus our energies on charting the new dawn ahead of us.
“The campaign period has opened toward national elections in February, 2023.
“All of us, politicians and citizens, must save Nigeria to stand at this tipping point and behave accordingly.
“Most Nigerians today are angry and frustrated by one thing or the other; the ASUU strike, insecurity, crippling economy, bad roads, poor governance, among others.
“Solving the ASUU strike is a priority; ASUU and government must shift grounds and avoid any arm-twisting techniques that will only worsen the situation.
“Government must find a way to solve this.
“It is already very tragic that the universities have stayed shut for so long.
“To allow this to continue in this campaign era, is to invite trouble from restive and angry youths,” the Bishop said.
Badejo also urged the leaders, executive, legislature and INEC to get on the side of equity, truth and justice and rehabilitate the country.
He said that leaders must not suspend governance because of the election campaign as some challenges could not wait for the next regime.
According to him, government must be multi-tasking and proffer solutions, even as campaigns are ongoing.
“Politicians must commit to non-violence and learn to disagree without being disagreeable so as not to set fire to the tinder of public disaffection all around.
“They must sincerely embrace the Rule of Law and avoid double speak; politicking must be mutually respectful, they should shun false and hate rhetoric which heat up the polity.
“I exhort the electorate, this is your time, seize it and demand integrity, accountability and commitment to fair, good governance from all contestants.
“Let all civil society organisations support the new energy for positive change, which is enveloping our country, especially our youths.
“Citizens must demand an issue-based campaign from aspiring leaders and exercise their civic rights.
“This includes voting at the elections and holding elected leaders accountable after elections.
“We must never stop believing in a better Nigeria,” Badejo said. (NAN)
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