Politicians’ antics may derail 2015 polls -Catholic Bishops

The President of CBCN and Archbishop of Jos, Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, raised the alarm in Abuja during the special prayer for the nation and for the success of the 2015 elections tagged “National Rosary Prayer Pilgrimage to pray for Nigeria” held at the National Christian Centre Abuja.
He regretted that terrorism and Boko Haram insurgency especially in the North-East are not only causing loss of lives and so much havoc but also threatening the corporate existence of the country.
“Our darling innocent school girls from Chibok are still being held over six months since their abduction. Only God knows the psychological and physical trauma they are going through. Apart from sectarian clashes here and there, there are signals and indications that the impending 2015 elections will create a political situation that will be explosive. The aggressive quest for political power already being exhibited makes us wonder if Nigerian politics is truly about improving the lot of the common people, resources which belong to the people are spent in a reckless manner,” Kaigama said.
While saying that prayer alone cannot solve the nation’s problems without matching it with positive action, he added, “Invitation to prayer is not meant to be a substitute for individual responsibility where human beings play their parts in contributing to the welfare of one another and the nation, with good behaviour, good works and fervent prayers, we can overcome obstacles and rise to the highest heights.
“We are aware that prayer alone without good works is inadequate. Nigerians may pray in churches and other places of worship, go on pilgrimages in huge numbers and call on the name of God at every event but without the corresponding commitment to our social obligations, this is tantamount to calling the name of God in vain. Not to do our work well, to wish your neighbour harm or to engage in bitter, hostile, antagonistic, political, religious or ethnic struggles that lead to loss of lives and destruction of property and still claim to be people of faith is mere extremism devoid of godliness.”