By Johnson Eyiangho
Abuja – The Prelate of Methodist Church, Dr Emeka Uche, on Sunday lauded the Nigerian military for taking over the Sambisa forest from the Boko Haram insurgents and defeating the terrorists.
Uche also lauded the military for its commitment and faithfulness as well as unity in prosecuting the war.
He spoke in a sermon titled: “The Faithful’’ at an inter-denomination service for the 2017 Armed Forces Remembrance at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, quoting from Proverbs 28:20.
Uche called for adequate welfare package for the armed forces and police, but noted that the military was being overstretched as it was involved in resolving many internal crises across the country.
The cleric called for a minute silence in honour of officers and soldiers, who paid the supreme price in defence of the nation.
He blamed the restiveness and crises in parts of the nation on greed, corruption and injustice.
According to him, Nigerians, including the leaders and the led have lived up to the letters of the nation’s constitutions and the national pledge they recite all the time.
“We have been unfaithful, we have remained unchanged. Corruption is endemic, we have not been working for the unity of this country,’’ he said.
He added that some Nigerians were being marginalised and denied their rights by those who should protect them.
“Many Nigerians are living in squalor and poverty, hence they take up arms against the government,’’ he said.
According to him, the solution to the Niger Delta militancy and agitation in the South-East is not the use of force.
He stressed that “Exercise Crocodile Smile’’ in the Niger Delta and Exercise Python Dance’’ in the South East were not the solution, but dialogue.
He also urged the militants and agitators to sheath their swords and embrace dialogue for peace to reign, and condemned in strong terms alleged killings in Southern Kaduna.
“MASSOB and IPOB are wasting their time. They should not take up arms against the government,’’ he said, and advised the military not to use force against them.
“Every Nigerian should practice uprightness, equity and justice,’’ Uche counseled, adding that the nation would re-brand “when we do the right thing”.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, were among dignitaries, who attended the service.
