Nnewi The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, on Sunday called on the Federal Government to take urgent steps to end violence and poor infrastructure in Nigeria.
Onaiyekan made the call when he led 40 Catholic bishops and other prominent Nigerians to celebrate the 70th birthday of the Catholic Bishop of Nnewi, the Rt Rev Dr Hillary Okeke.
He described the killings in Southern Kaduna as unacceptable and wondered why people supposed to be herdsmen should be killing harmless Nigerians who wished to protect their farms from destruction.
“We are seriously concerned with the security situation in the country, what started as a sporadic kidnapping incident has given room for a well-planned activity carried out almost on daily basis.
“The tragedy in Southern Kaduna has exposed the ambiguity in the nation which calls for urgent clarification.
“There is so much bloodshed in the country not just by criminals and hoodlums but also by the security agents and agencies that killed the perceived enemies of the system at will.
“The line between legitimate self-defence and presumptive killings has become marginally too close for comfort which is contrary to Pope Francis’ instruction on non-violent living.
“The activities of Fulani herdsmen is worrisome, the infrastructural facilities in Nigeria have collapsed to the extent that a journey of six hours now takes nothing less than 12, contracts are awarded at inflated costs, yet we say we are fighting corruption,” he said.
Onaiyekan congratulated Okeke for attaining the age of 70 at a time when life expectancy was less than 50 years and called on Nigerians to draw closer to God.
He said those who attained the age of 70 had reasons to thank God for his mercies.
The cardinal revealed to the excitement of those present at the mass that Okeke had always helped the College of Bishops in no small measure with his deep knowledge and understanding of the canon law.
He said the Nnewi Catholic bishop did not just pile up years but had enjoyed a good life serving God and positively impacting humanity.
“We thank God for the life of our bishop, he is a special gift to priesthood and his family, many of us take our families for granted but that should not be so.
“We don’t choose the family to belong to but that is the prerogative of the Almighty God and we should as such appreciate our families,” he said.
In his short remark of appreciation, the celebrant ,Okeke thanked every individual who took out time to be part of his celebration.
He appreciated all those who contributed to the success of the occasion.
In his remark, a former Secretary to Anambra Government, Mr Oseloka Obaze described Okeke as a God-fearing clergyman, who had impacted lives positively.
Obaze, who said he had known the bishop for over 40 years, wished him many more years of soul winning in the Lord’s vine yard.
Other dignitaries who joined the bishop in his celebration include Chief Ifeanyi Ubah, a businessman, as well as former governors of Anambra, Dr Chris Ngige, Chief Peter Obi and Dame Virgy Etiaba.
Others present at the occasion were Chief George Moghalu, Dr Alex Obiogbolu, Mr Obinna Uzor, the National Chairman of APGA, Dr Victor Oye, among others.