Most Rev. Anselm Umoren, the Auxiliary Archbishop, Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, has advised Nigerians to think beyond money politics during elections.
Umoren further tasked Nigerians to take charge of their future by electing people with capability.
The Archbishop gave the advice in an interview at the “2019 Feast Day Celebration of Our Patron Saint Patrick Thanksgiving Mass” which held on Sunday at the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja.
He was speaking on the backdrop of the 2019 General Elections
According to him, there is need for Nigerians to change their mentality about elections, which is generally perceived as an avenue to make money.
“We should try to change our mentality; that we do not live on short term basis only.
“We should be thinking on the long term effects of the actions of those we elect to represent us.
“We should set criteria that we must use to elect people, because this whole issue of people using money to get votes is certainly an irresponsible way to make money.’’
He noted that such actions would only succeed in jeopardising the future of Nigerians and those yet unborn.
“Let us elect leaders based on what they have achieved and not the promises they make or who they are.
“So we need to go beyond this absurdity and vanity and begin to take responsibility for our lives, the lives of our children and the future of this country,” he said.
Umoren advised voters in states scheduled for supplementary governorship elections on March 23, to conduct themselves in a peaceful manner as they “come out and vote for candidates of their choice’’.
“At the end of the day, whatever decision you make, it is what you will live with in the next four years.’’
Speaking on the significance of the event, the Archbishop said it was a celebration of Saint Patrick as a missionary and his works for the Church of Christ.
“He was a slave in Ireland; and when he regained his freedom, he went back there to preach the gospel and won the hearts of the people that enslaved him,” he said.
Umoren said this was a practical demonstration of the Christian life; learning to love even those perceived as enemies.
Mr Daniel Makava, the President of Saint Patrick association of the Lady Queen of Martha Catholic Church, Sabon-Lugbe, Abuja, who also spoke in an interview, advised Christians to emulate St. Patrick in propagating the gospel.
“Going by the work of St. Patrick, we as Christians must show love to one another; and see everybody around us as brothers and sisters,’’ Makava said.
Prof. Ignatius Onimawo, the Vice Chancellor, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, on his part advised men to be alive to their responsibilities as chief tenders to the home.
Onimawo further advised women to also play their role in molding their husbands to be better leaders both at home and in nation building.
The Don said when a man and woman united in prayers, they would achieve anything.
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