Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration and all political leaders nationwide to give Nigerians good reasons to smile in 2024.
Martins made the call as the Catholic Bishop of Oyo Diocese, Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo, urged the Federal Government to address corruption and indiscipline in all facets of life
In his New Year message, signed by the Director of Social Communications, Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu, Martin observed that 2023, an election year with all its controversies, was characterised by untold hardship for millions of Nigerians due to the high cost of essential commodities.
He asked government to make concerted effort to use all resources available to fashion out policies that would help alleviate hardship faced by majority of Nigerians.
He said: “The increase in the pump price of petroleum products and the drastic loss in the value of the naira, among other factors, have grossly affected the purchasing power of most Nigerians and they are finding it difficult to keep their heads above water. This along with the insecurity in the country has led many of the best brains in the country to being sucked out of the country as they yield to the Japa syndrome.
“Those of us who remain are struggling to breathe, as they say. This is unacceptable. As we enter into the year 2024, we call on government, at all levels, to lock its focus on economic policies that would help to rejig the economy and bring solace to the impoverished masses. Government must listen to the cries of poor Nigerians.”
The Archbishop challenged the President, the governors, and members of the National and State Houses of Assembly to take the lead in making the sacrifices they expect of the people by reducing the cost of governance and their many travels.
BADEJO, in his message, listed other areas of concern that demand urgent attention of governments as high level of violence, bloodshed, fraud, stealing, and injustice.
He lamented that most leaders only cater for themselves and their friends, while the poor and underprivileged languish in abject poverty.
He lamented that millions of Nigerians have become beggars, living on handouts and palliatives, while others turn to various crimes.
Badejo, who noted that the country was blessed and endowed with natural, human, and intellectual resources, said things must change in the New Year.
The bishop urged governments to go after criminals killing and maiming citizens of various tribes.
