Clergy urges Osinbajo to sign 2017 budget

The Bishop of Ijumu Diocese (Anglican Communion), Kogi State, Dr Ezekiel  Ikupolati, has urged Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, to sign the 2017 appropriation bill into law.

He said the signing and implementation of the budget was long overdue as Nigerians were yearning for improved living standard.

Ikupolati, who said this while addressing newsmen on the 9th anniversary of the Diocese at Iyara, Ijumu local government area said assenting the bill should not be delayed in the interest of the masses.

He said, “Assent to the Budget should not be delayed and full implementation must commence. I want to advise the Federal Government to constitute a Post Budget Committee to monitor and supervise the implementation of the budget.”

While urging the state governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, to pay the outstanding salaries of workers to reduce poverty level in the state, he charged churches in the country to contribute to nation building.

He advised Christian community to avoid segregation in Christendom, saying “the church nowaday is too conscious of denomination. There is one God, one spirit and there is need for us to come under one umbrella and speak with one voice.” he noted.

The clergyman maintained that although many successes have been achieved since his appointment, the diocese has been faced with many challenges, finance inclusive.

He also said the diocese had embarked on various programmes aimed at boosting spiritual and physical growth of children, youths, women and men to enable them contribute to the growth of Christianity and the society.