The Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Osogbo, John Oyejola, has charged public office holders, others in positions of leadership and Nigerians at large to make honesty and integrity their watchwords in the coming year.
Oyejola decried scarcity of the virtues in the country, and advocated the need for change of attitude if Nigeria would experience development and economic prosperity.
In his new year message titled: “Living Hope and Integrity in the New Year,” and made available to The Point on Tuesday, the prelate stressed that “our public office holders must realise that they should not just love the glory of office, enjoy the privileges of power and greedily consume the perks of office; they must be busy working for the good of ordinary Nigerians that voted them into office.”
Pondering on the pervasive hardship in the country, Oyejola said, “Over the years, since the inception of the current democratic dispensation, we have been severally denied of credible leadership. We have experienced undisciplined, callous, and heartless team of looters and plunderers in the past. Is the present situation any different?”
He argued that each succeeding government merely aims to out-perform its predecessor in corruption; scouting and scheming for new tricks to loot the resources of the nation.
“Yes, few decades ago, it was “Better life for Rural Women” and later “Family Support Group” with SAP – “Structural Adjustment programme”. Yesterday and today it was VAT – Value Added Tax, removal oil subsidies and Tax reforms. Despite all these fantastically interesting social – economic initiatives, we all know that the starving members of our population are increasing rapidly and the hardships of families multiply daily,” he added.
Emphasising on the need for everyone to walk in honesty and integrity in the new year, the Chief Shepherd of the diocese, remarked, “The Bible is very explicit on the need for honesty, as a fundamental aspect of our relationship with God and with one another. Sadly, honesty and integrity are scarce or non-existent in all spheres of life in our country; the executive, legislative and judicial arms of government have demonstrated enough reckless dishonesty that the citizens are left frustrated. The lack of integrity shown by some religious leaders has left the people confused and distrust. There is obvious open dishonesty on the streets, in the markets and places of worship with its negative effects on the well-being of ordinary citizens of our dear county.”
“Our public office holders must realize that they should not just love the glory of office, enjoy the privileges of power and greedily consume the perks of office; they must be busy working for the good of ordinary Nigerians that voted them into office. The cry of hunger in the land must not be dismissed as the cry of lazy people or that of mischievous individuals in opposition parties. It is to be noted that we are not patrons to the poor. We are partners with them. This partnership is rooted in the recognition of our common human dignity,” Oyejola maintained.
Quoting Proverbs 10: 9, he said, “We have the admonition: “whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out. In the new year we are all called to walk in integrity, to be truthful in all our dealings, and to be transparent in all our actions. Let us give up deception and dishonesty in public and private engagements. Honesty and integrity are not just moral virtues; they are also essential for nation building. When these virtues are practiced we build trust with our fellow citizens, and also create a safe and secure society that everyone will be proud of.”
He encouraged the people of Nigeria, especially Christians, to be hopeful, saying that, “In a world that can often seem dark and uncertain, this hope is a powerful anchor for our souls as we navigate the year 2025. Living hope reminds us that we are not limited by our current circumstances, but that we have a future that is secure in Christ.”
“My dear people of God, I urge you to hold on to this hope, to cherish it, and to share it with others. Let it be the foundation on which you stand, the compass that guides you, and the source of your strength and courage,” the cleric said.
