The Archbishop of Abuja Catholic Diocese, Ignatius Kaigama, has urged the federal and state governments as well as other stakeholders to end killings and ensure security of lives and property.
He said the continued killings, kidnappings and banditry in some parts of the country would only be tackled if both government and security personnel are sincere and in control of the situation.
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“Government, security heads and Nigerians must be fair in handling security issues.
“The government should be on top of the situation to avoid killings, kidnappings and communal disputes,” he said.
Kaigama stated this while fielding questions from journalists after he was conferred with pallium at our Lady Queen of Nigeria Pro-Cathedral, Abuja by Antonio Filipazzi, the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria.
The Bishop called on authorities of the country at all levels to take the wellbeing of Nigerians above any other thing.
He regretted that most times political campaigns are based on occupying offices, interest of ethic group and region or those who are political affiliated.
“These people hardly talk about the common goal and raising of the poor from their poor and bad conditions to a condition of social economic stability.
“Many Nigerians in their millions are dying in poverty, as a pastor, bishop, priest and a grass root person, it is disturbing.
“If you go to the villages you will see it, it is not theory.
“Like here in Abuja, the city is very beautiful but go to the outskirts you will wonder,” he said.
According to Kaigama, if the terrible situations people in the rural areas found themselves are not well addressed, the crisis would continue, adding that injustice must be addressed before peace can reign.
During the pallium investiture, the Antonio Filipazzi, the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, called on Catholics to support Kaigama to succeed in the ministry.
The Nuncio said Christ work was not an easy task but that the mission must be accomplished, especially by those who are saddled with the responsibility.
The pallium is a special vestment worn over the Chasuble, round the neck and resting on the shoulders of a high ranking Archbishop with Metropolitan authority.