AyoAROWOJOLU2h
President Muhammadu Buhari should roll up his sleeves and redouble his energies to stopping all forms of bloodletting in the country. This is the only panacea for Nigeria to move forward and be great again.
Primate Peter Akinola
This is the submission of former Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Reverend Peter Jasper Akinola, in his Independence message to the nation.
In his sermon held in Abeokuta commemorating Nigeria’s 60th Anniversary, the retired Primate opined that unless a quick end is put to wanton killings and reckless Bloodshedding, there can be no good future for the country.
Ogun Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun and other eminent personalities at the church
At the Special Church Service held at the Cathedral Church of St. Peters, Ake, Abeokuta, were a coterie of eminent personalities including the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, the Deputy Governor, Alhaja Noimot Salako-Oyedele, the state Chief Judge, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo and Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi.
Also in attendance were heads of the security apparatchiks in the state including the Commandant, 35 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier-General A. Amadasun, the State Police Commissioner, Edward Ajogun, the state Commandant, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Hammed Abodunrin and David Tuska, Director of State Security Service.
Primate Akinola, decried the State of bloodletting in the country which he declared has reached an all-time high and alarming level, submitting that the government must fashion a change of approach and strategy to combat insecurity everywhere.
The retired clergyman took his homily from the Book of Ezekiel 22 vs 3-6, part of which says: “In your blood which you have shed you have become guilty, and you are defiled by the idols which you have made, and you have caused your time [of judgment and punishment] to draw near and have arrived at the full measure of your years. Therefore have I made you a reproach to the [heathen] nations and a mocking to all countries.”
Akinola traced the era of spilling of blood in Nigeria to the time of independence, concluding that, no land full of blood could move forward nor ever be great.
As a panacea to redress the current state and to avert God’s anger and judgement, he called for true repentance by Nigerian leaders as well as tendering of apology to the families of those who lost their love ones as a result of killings.
He further stated that for the nation to experience a time of refreshing from the Lord, efforts must be made to embrace justice and righteousness in all facets of our national life.
Also speaking, the Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, called on Nigerians not to be in despair, saying a greater Nigeria is possible in the foreseeable future.
Abiodun said no matter the prevailing circumstances, the country has proven to be an enigma, defying all predictions by pundits that it would not survive as a nation.
But Abiodun stated: “Nigeria has always wriggled out of the most difficult situation better. I have no doubt that Nigerians should be hopeful and we all must be ready to contribute to that future which we desire. Be hopeful because as a nation, we are moving towards a better Nigeria”.
Expressing high optimism, he retorted: “The task ahead is a collective one. We shouldn’t allow the prophesies of doom to define us. With prayers and given the human and material resources available, believe that things would get better”.
Governor Abiodun recalled that many countries that gained independence with Nigeria are no longer together.
“They have either been balkanized by their internal realities or civil war. We have survived many vicissitudes and despite our numerous challenges, especially in the area of economy and security, the country is still together and would move forward more prosperously”, he said.
He said further: “Despite all predictions, Nigeria is still standing. Our diversity is our strength. We are a resilient and confident people. We surmounted the Civil war, Boko Haram. Tomorrow will bring the best in us. All we need to do is to work together. Nigeria will move forward. We must not prophesy doom. Nation building is not for government alone, but the responsibility of all”.
“We were able to manage COVID-19 very well. We defeated Ebola which was deadlier. About seven million people died in the United States and thousands are affected on a daily basis; but we thank God that is not the case here. There are a lot to be done in the area of economy and security and I believe with everyone on board, we shall overcome”, he said.
Abiodun, who also affirmed his conviction that the country would continue to grow stronger as the democracy it currently enjoys continues to fledge, added that with the collective prayers of every Nigerian, all problems being faced by the country would be overcome
