Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Abuja (Agenzia Fides)- The Catholic Church in Nigeria appealed to President Olusegun Obasanjo and Vice president Atiku Abubakar to stop their public dispute, come to an agreement and work for the common good. In a press conference Fr Ralph Madu communications officer of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria said “the country needs better political leadership to consolidate its democratic progress”.
The press meeting was held in Abuja, shortly before the country’s Catholic Bishops started their plenary meeting. The communications officer said “the Bishops confirm their prayers and efforts for free and transparent elections and peace and stability in Nigeria”.
Fr. Madu said Nigeria needs politicians who work for the common good leaders who take the citizenry seriously; explaining that with the attitude of the current leadership, the correct political spheres should be created, “so that we can have a situation, whereby leaders, [after leaving office] office, will not be afraid that [their shadows may be chasing them”, an obvious reference to a report by the Economic Finance Crimes Commission which named MPs of governing and opposition parties. The Commission, set up by Olusegun Obasanjo, said it had collected data which showed that over 130 people were seen to be previous corruption offenders and therefore “unsuitable for public office”.
Oil on the fire was thrown by a report from an ad hoc senate committee on the use of funds for the development of the oil industry which accuses both the President and the vice president of embezzlement. According to the report, between 1999 and 2006 funds of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund were misused. The report targets especially vice president Abubakar disliked by President Obasanjo who is trying to put obstacles in front of the former’s electoral campaign. Abubakar is running for presidency while Obasanjo cannot stand for a third mandate.
On 21 April 50 million Nigerians will elect a new president, 36 governors and municipal councils. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 1/3/2007 righe 35 parole 434)
