From Obinna Odogwu, Abakaliki
Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Afikpo, Ebonyi State, Rt. Rev. Paul Udeogu, yesterday, carpeted President Muhammadu Buhari’s style of leadership, saying it has left many Nigerians in anguish.
The Bishop lamented that the nation’s economy was in comatose while hatred, unemployment, nepotism and injustice have become the order of the day.
This is even as he cautioned the President that history would not forgive him if the country disintegrates under his watch owing to his style of leadership, which he said, tends to favour a section of the country.
The cleric stated this in Uburu community, Ohaozara Local Government Area (LGA) of Ebonyi State, while delivering his charge at the 2nd Session of the 4th synod of the Anglican Diocese of Afikpo.
He lamented that Buhari was yet to bring the change he promised Nigerians while canvassing for votes from the people.
He, therefore, called on the President to address the problems confronting the nation and unite the country before the 2019 general election.
“The Nigerian nation is at the verge of collapse. History will not forgive President Muhammadu Buhari if Nigeria collapses or disintegrates under his watch. It is not enough to declare that Nigeria will not disintegrate under his watch.
“Let our President cause righteousness, equity and justice to flow like rivers of water in our country. Agitations will continue as far as we continue to witness lopsided appointments, maltreatment of the Igbo as if they are not Nigerians simply because they did not vote for the President in 2015 general election,” Udeogu said.
He berated the Federal Government for designating IPOB as a terrorist organisation, pointing out that the President was unfair to the agitators.
He reasoned that instead of using the military to suppress the agitators, it would have been better for the Federal Government to dialogue with them for lasting peace to reign.
“In as much as we may not completely agree with the methods of IPOB agitation, to designate IPOB as a terrorist group like Boko Haram is unfair, unfortunate, discriminating and appalling. “Fulani Herdsmen/militants have attacked a lot of communities in the South-west, Middle Belt and south eastern parts of the country killing several people including pregnant women and children.
“For example, in April 2016, they murdered more than 100 farmers in Ukpabi Nimbo in Enugu State. In Benue State, they also killed about 500 farmers in Agatu. None of these Fulani herdsmen or militants was arrested and no operation Python Dance was launched against them. “We use this medium to call on the Federal Government and the National Assembly to restructure this country now before it becomes too late. In the light of recent happening in our country, it is very expedient to implement the recommendations of the 2014 National Conference.”
The cleric commended the South-east Governors for their efforts to restore peace in the area, even as he urged them to do more for their people.
“It is not enough to proscribe IPOB; the Igbo people want to see a responsible, patriotic, selfless and exemplary leadership. Instead of quarrelling, our Governors and leaders should be united and champion a common cause for the South-east,” Udeogu said.