By Chidi Nkwopara, Owerri
President of Christian Council of Nigeria, CCN, and Archbishop of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Dr. David O. C. Onuoha, has expressed worry that “there appears no hope of survival for the nation’s teeming poor, as hard times persist in Nigeria”.
Archbishop Onuoha raised the alarm weekend, while sharing his view with Vanguard, on the prevailing hardship in the country.
The cleric said: “Hard times are here. It is sad that the poor in Nigeria, appear to have no hope of survival. They are always made to bear the brunt of unjust economic policies, incompetence and ineptitude of the ruling class.
“The removal of subsidy on petroleum products without first putting in place measures that would cushion its effect on the already impoverished, traumatized and helpless populace, raises the question whether government exists for the good or adversity of the people.”
Archbishop Onuoha described as “worrisome” the lack of genuine and sincere effort to recover the wealth of this nation, which a few privileged ones looted from the common purse.
He was also irked that getting the refineries up and running, fixing the electricity problems and halt the continued downward slide of the Naira, which should have received priority attention, have been jettisoned by the new federal administration.
His words: “It is sad to note that these issues, which should have engage the new federal administration have been jettisoned for anti-people policies that tend to make life more unbearable.
“Servicing the ostentatious life style of the ruling class, as evidenced in the humongous budget for the welfare of the federal legislators, including their bullet proof jeeps, as well as endless convoy of vehicles that follow some elected officers, all at the expense of the masses, send the signal that the days for the reforms desperately needed for the turn around of the country, is still a mirage.”
On what should be done to salvage the country and its citizens, Onuoha said: “We expect our leaders to make the sacrifices they are encouraging others to make for the good of our country.
“It is very important that adequate care is taken not to worsen the already bad security situation in this country with unpopular policies and programmes. May Nigeria never collapse on our heads.”
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