FRC code: Govt stepping beyond its bounds in church matters —Archbishop Martins

CATHOLIC Archbishop of Lagos, Most Reverend Adewale Martins, has faulted the Code of Corporate Governance proposed by the Financial Reporting Council (FRC).

The cleric made the observation during an interaction with newsmen at the 50th anniversary celebration of the Association of Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary, held at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Maryland, Lagos State.

According to Martins, “Every body of religious people have the right to regulate the way they are governed and that cannot be legislated upon by a state.

“If a state should legislate on how many years the leader of a church should serve, it is going beyond its bounds. However, if it has to do with transparency, government needs to call those involved to a discussion; they should be carried along and allowed to make input. Government should not create undue problems for itself.”

He also called on members of the association to use it to draw people to Christ and advised the government to “seek solutions to the problems of Nigeria beyond the confines of government.”

The national president of the association, Group Captain Eyepiegha Ebiye (retd), in his message, praised the achievements of the association over the years, as well as the exemplary leadership of the spiritual director, Monsignor Philip Hoteyin.

He stated that the organisation was poised to deeper commitment to prayers towards ensuring national development through divine intervention.