From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
As political activities that would culminate in 2023 general elections peaks, the Archbishop of Abuja Catholic Archdiocese, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, has advised people seeking political offices to eschew politics of bitterness.
He rather suggested that they imbibe the spirit of forgiveness, sportsmanship and brotherliness, and not venture into activities that would further threaten the peace and unity of Nigeria.
Archbishop Kaigama, in his homily, delivered at Our Lady Queen of Nigeria Pro-Cathedral, Abuja, on Sunday, challenged people seeking political offices in 2023 political season to be of good character and committed to the welfare and wellbeing of the people and not otherwise.
He said: “This is a call to mindfulness in our nation, where large sums of money meant for the public good are stolen, misappropriated and diverted by those in political offices and public service. It is not enough to have a change of heart and repent of past sins, but to restore to the rightful owners what is truly theirs.
“We continue to hope that the financial crimes and nation crippling activities would be curbed by the relevant financial crime agencies and the recovered assets would be put into judicious use such as building first class, well equipped and properly managed hospitals in every geopolitical zone with citizens having easy access to them. It is so sad that some of these funds are recovered only to be stolen again by others.
“In this political season, people, depending on their political leaning, loyalty or sensitivity are filled with morbid fear and demonstrate paranoid political tendencies and hypersensitivity. Some people want to fight their way to power. Some apply the allure of money; some by gentle persuasion, but some, by hook or by crook.
“Some are so bitter that they neither forgive nor forget political wrongs even if they profess belief in God. Some exclude dialogue and friendly encounters, and if you dare to say a good word, a positive word, about an opposition partner, or be seen in his/her company you become their instant enemy. This is what I called immature politics or politics without principles or decorum. Such people can unleash venomous anger on others for daring to be different.
“Instead of wooing you, they try to antagonize or even dehumanize you; make you feel you are committing an offence. Why fight and be ready to injure others for political interests? Ready to terminate life or assassinate character? Rubbish others even when you know deep within you that it is not right?
“Today we should open up our hearts and minds to God, and ask Jesus to reach out to all of us as He did to Zacchaeus. We ask for an outpouring of grace to be true to our personal commitments.”