Diocesan Bishop of Kwara state of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Reverend Oluwole Onaleke, has told the state governor-elect, Alhaji Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, to consider non-indigenes when his administration will be appointing people into public office.
Speaking at the 29th synod of the church, themed, “Obedience to God is better than sacrifice” in Ilorin at the weekend, the diocesan Bishop said that many non-indigenes in the state “that have lived for many years, contributing to the economic growth of the state should also be considered in public appointment.”
Reverend Onaleke, who cautioned the governor-elect to be focused and wary of sycophants that might be milling
around him, said that people’s expectations are high, assuring him of prayers of the church and people for a successful tenure.
He added that Kwara State created in 1967 has remained predominantly underdeveloped, noting that there is the need for more industries to reduce the rate of unemployment in the state.
“There is a need to have more housing units to cater for workers who do not have houses of their own. The government should create tourist centres that can attract investors.
On return of mission schools to their owners, Rev. Onaleke said “I believe there is no going back on the issue. The government should toe the path of honour by withdrawing the case from court and return our schools to us as it is being implemented in some states across the country.”
He noted that corrupt leaders are frustrating the President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-corruption war, saying that “corruption is a cankerworm that has continued to eat into the fabrics of the nation.
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“The institutions established to deal with the issues of corruption (Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) must be empowered to deal ruthlessly with anyone, however, highly placed, caught in the business of promoting corruption.
“Those already listed as having charges of corruption against them must not be allowed to hold any public office again in this nation.
“Now that new leaders have emerged, we hope that they would serve the people and not their pockets by giving them dividends of democracy.”
The clergyman canvassed for a reduction in the salaries of politicians and political office holders to get rid of do or die politics.
“I believe there is too much money in politics and this is why it has become a do or die affair. Our politicians collect so much but give back little or nothing at all to the people they govern.
“In my view, salaries of our politicians should be reduced and political office be made less attractive. Those who serve as governors for two terms should not be allowed to contest for House of Representatives or Senate,” he said.
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