Independence Celebration: Clergy tasks Nigerians on Patriotism, Accountability, Justice

By Godwin Utuedoye

As Nigeria celebrates her 57th independence day, Nigerians have been urged to be patriotic and accountable in all they do.

The charge was given by Rev. Fr. Dr. Stephen Ogheneovo on Sunday, October 1, at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Ughelli when he delivered a message during the Sunday Mass.

The Canon lawyer who harped on honesty and peace noted that, if Nigerian leaders are faithful to their service, Nigeria will be a better country to behold.

He called on all irrespective of ethnicity and tribes to be all embracing and to be egalitarian in nature stressing that, it is only when we talk good of our nation Nigeria and imbibed in constructive criticism that the nation will become a better society.

Rev. Fr. Dr. Ogheneovo further stated that it is not good for Nigeria to only be known for bribery and corruption, violence and war, but that Nigeria should be a country were positive stories will be read about, adding that inspite of so many shortcomings faced by the country, Nigerians are also the most intelligent and experienced people in the world.

Speaking further, the Catholic cleric urged all to work together and make the country a peaceful place for all to dwell. He said, the system may be collapsing but the onus lies on all to make it stand again.

While congratulating Nigeria on her 57th independence anniversay, he admonished all to love one another. Rev. Fr. Dr. Ogheneovo also thanked the Northern youths for withdrawing the October 1st quit notice order given to the Igbo and also call on all those agitating for a new nation or republic to clear and positive as the unity of Nigeria presently is sacrosanct to individual interest.