Nigerians, leaders and followers alike have been urged to re-focus their energies on charting the new dawn ahead of them and work towards saving the country from the tipping point where it stands currently. The charge was given by Most Rev. Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo, Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Oyo in a statement, tagged, “Nigeria at 62: Working for a new dawn.” According to Bishop Badejo, Nigeria and Nigerians deserve a new burst of hope as the nation celebrates another anniversary of its independence. He said: “Happy birthday, Nigeria! The numerous challenges we face need no re-enumeration. I call on all Nigerians to re-focus our energies on charting the new dawn ahead of us. “The campaign period has opened towards national elections coming up in February 2023. All of us; politicians and electorate alike, must save Nigeria standing at this tipping point and behave accordingly.” The Bishop noted that Nigerians are angry and frustrated over the problems confronting the country, ranging from ASUU strike, insecurity, crippling economy, bad roads, poor governance among others. Stating that solving the ASUU strike is a priority, Bishop Badejo added that ASUU and government must shift grounds and avoid any arm-twisting techniques that will worsen the situation.
“Government must find a way to solve this, for it is already very tragic that the universities have stayed shut for so long”, he said. He said allowing ASUU strike to continue during the campaign period amounts to inviting trouble from restive and angry youths. The Bishop called on the executive, legislature, as well as the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to be on the side of equity, truth and justice to rehabilitate the crumbling country. Urging the country’s leaders not to suspend governance during the campaign season, the Bishop pointed out that some challenges can simply not wait for the next regime. He said: “Government must be multitasking and proffer solutions even as campaigns are ongoing. Politicians must commit to non-violence and learn to disagree without being disagreeable so as not to set fire to the tinder of public disaffection all around. “They must sincerely embrace the rule of law and avoid double speak. Politicking must be mutually respectful and devoid of false and hate rhetoric which heat up the polity. He exhorted the electorate, “This is your time, seize it and demand integrity, accountability, and commitment to good governance from all contestants. “Let all civil society organizations support the new energy for positive change which is enveloping our country, especially our youths. Our citizens must demand an issue-based campaign from aspiring leaders, and exercise their civic rights. This includes, voting at the elections and holding elected leaders accountable after elections. We must never stop believing in a better Nigeria!”
