Buhari, listen to Nigerians’ cries —Methodist Prelate

The Prelate, Methodist Church Nigeria (MCN), Most Reverend Samuel Uche, has called on Prersident Muhammadu Buhari to listen to the cries of Nigerians, especially in light of the current economic situation.

He stated this in an interview with Sunday Tribune, in which he highlighted the state of poverty in the country, which recession had in no small means, contributed towards.

While commending the president on the fight against corruption, noting that “people are becoming afraid of stealing money that does not belong to them,” he stated that “the fight has not had any effect with regards to citizens’ welfare.

“People are really hungry; roads are not receiving attention; hospitals are another issue, not to mention electricity. Many areas of the economy have not felt the impact of the anti-corruption war of the present administration. There is total decay in infrastructure. I take it that they are trying to strategise because nothing has taken off per se, other than elections and inconclusive polls.

“We believe that they are doing their best, but their best is not good enough. I would advise them to buckle up. The average Nigerian is not interested in grammar. What the common man wants is food on our tables, employments for job seekers, good roads, potable water and security. We are not losing hope because God is in control.

“Maybe the situation they met on ground was quite enormous, that’s why it is becoming difficult to address all the issues. However, they should keep hope alive and work towards restructuring and revamping the economy of the country to suit the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians.”

He also called for serious efforts relating to the call for diversification of the economy, stating that the MCN was taking big steps on agriculture to ensure food security.

“This year, we are embarking on aggressive agriculture to ensure food security. That is the area we are emphasising. We are trying to position our clerics in rural communities where they will anchor this agricultural revolution.

“Agriculture is very much neglected in spite of what we hear in the media. Many lands in the rural areas are lying fallow. We will focus on as many aspects of agriculture as possible. At least, let people feed first. When people are well-fed, they won’t have time to go into crime. People are gradually losing the value of life because they have been reduced to things and not humans because of the general economic condition. So, we have to bring back human values,” he stated.

Emphasising the need for the Federal Government to address the issue of militancy and the agitation for Biafra and ensure justice and equitable distribution of national wealth, he called for fairness in appointments into key positions in the polity.