The Catholic Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, Most Reverend (Prof) Godfrey Onah, has urged Nigerian leaders to adopt moral values that will transform them into individuals with a high level of integrity. He emphasised that this transformation is necessary for effectively addressing the challenges facing Nigeria.
Bishop Onah made these remarks during the 21st Annual Lecture of the Catholic Brothers United at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Maryland, Lagos Archdiocese.
A well-known commentator, he reiterated the importance of Nigerian leaders demonstrating strong moral integrity so that those they lead can emulate their positive behaviour.
He also stated that “the deteriorating situation in Nigeria is as a result of lack of moral integrity – warning Nigerians to imbibe moral integrity so that we can all be able to save our nation, Nigeria from collapse”
He cited different examples between Nigeria and other countries he visited such as Samoa Island, Cote d’ Iviore where he experienced high level of moral integrity in those countries.
He added that for Nigeria to be a progressive nation, our leaders and the followers must be seen to praticalise moral integrity in all facets of our economic and leadership.
Bishop Onah, while delivering his speech as the keynote Speaker with the topic “Moral integrity: Fortress of a healthy nation”, said that “for a nation to be healthy, citizens, institutions, and organs of governments must function in harmony with each contributing uniquely to the wellbeing of all,” he said. “When one part fails, like a wound on the finger or a diseased organ, the entire body is endangered.”
He added: “The people always expect us to criticise and blame others for the way things are in Nigeria. But we need to accept the responsibility or the fact that nation-building is a collective responsibility by all to move the country forward.”
Prof. Onah stated further that: “For too long, Nigerians have tended to limit the responsibility for the health of our nation to the few people in public office, whether elected, selected, absorbed, or appointed. And even in this case, it is wrongly assumed that the health of the nation can be separated from the moral character of these public office holders.” He lamented that the lack of moral integrity it is now a normal thing in Nigeria, saying that the absence of values and moral integrity in Nigeria is alarming.
He added that “for citizens to expect even a fraudster who gains public office through fraudulent or questionable means to make the right decisions for the interest of its citizens’ is exasperation – when those who got into office through a process that is anything but transparent
have brought our country to its knees.
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