Catholic bishops task President-elect on national challenges

 
The Catholic Bishop Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has urged the in-coming Muhammadu Buhari administration to tackle the political and economic challenges confronting the country.
The President of the CBCN, Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, made the plea at the consecration of Most Rev. Denis Isizoh, the new auxiliary Bishop of Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha, Anambra, on Friday.
Kaigama said Buhari should choose a team with proven integrity and commitment to project the common good of the country in order to enhance her prosperity.
``We continue to pray for better time in Nigeria in terms of security, employment for the youths, honesty in government dealings and improvement in infrastructure and facilities.
“But more importantly, there is a need for fundamental change of attitude from self centeredness to considering the interests of others before ours.
``We pray for Buhari and his incoming administration and that he and his team, which I believe will be carefully chosen both in quality and size, will contribute in healing the nation.
`` They will also help Nigerians to overcome parochial interests and aggressively pursue the common good so that Nigeria can truly be one big, happy and peaceful family,’’ he said.
Kaigama, who is the Archbishop of Jos, urged Nigerians in their little capacities to be agents of change by living selfless lives .
``While we demand good governance from those voted into positions of service, we demand equally a change of mentality on the part of all Nigerians.
“The change starts from the roadside corn seller, the mechanic, the filling station attendant, the messenger to the senior government officials.
``To change from selfish personal or narrow regional interests to what works for the good of all of us,’’ he said.
Advising the newly consecrated bishop , Kiagama charged him to build bridges with other denominations and Christians within and outside his jurisdiction.
``We call on you to bring all the rich experience in Rome back home and build a new Nigeria devoid of hatred, ethnic and political antagonism of people in your jurisdiction,’’ he said.
The Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Archbishop Augustine Kasujja, said that Pope Francis was delighted to bring back Isizoh to come and help the expanding number of faithful in Nigeria.
Kasujja revealed that the Catholic Church has close to two million active worshippers within Onitsha Archdiocese alone;, adding there was a need to assist the archdiocese with an experienced and dedicated hand.
The Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, said that he was grateful to God, the Pope, and many others for making an auxiliary bishop possible for the archdiocese.
Okeke prayed that the reign of the new bishop would be long, peaceful and prosperous.
In a goodwill message, Gov. Willie Obiano thanked the clerics and other dignitaries for coming to Anambra.
He assured that the state government would assist the new bishop to succeed in his assignments. (NAN)