By Egbe Attah, Otukpo
The Prelate, Methodist Church Nigeria Dr Samuel Uche, has called on Christians in Nigeria not to fall prey into the hands of bandits carrying out widespread killings in the country, but, defend themselves against such attackers.
Dr Uche, who made the call recently while interacting with newsmen during a ministers’ retreat held at the Norcross Memorial Methodist Cathedral, Otukpo, stated that the fact that Christians are enjoined to be peaceful does not mean that they should submit themselves to be slaughtered like chickens by agents of Satan.
He decried the high rate of insecurity in the land which he alleged is a an attempt by a section of the country to complete a conquest mission earlier started by their forefathers, but was not fully accomplished. He commended Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State for defending his people valiantly against such invaders, stressing that if not for his efforts Benue would have been a forgotten State.
“In terms of defending the defenceless and voicing for the voiceless, Governor Ortom is one of the best governors in the country. If not for him, Benue would have been wiped out. Ortom’s efforts have stopped the Fulani for taking over Benue,” he explained.
He frowned at the distribution of democratic dividends in the country, pointing out that appointments into various positions are lopsided, a move he said is not good for the polity even as he urged the government to do the needful. The cleric maintained that if the problem of bad leadership is properly addressed, the country will get it right in all ramifications.
Also speaking, the Methodist Archbishop of Benue, the Most Reverend Oliver Aba bemoaned the woes that have befallen Nigeria as a result of bad leadership. He noted that there is a an urgent need for a revival to put the nation on the path of progress.
He, particularly expressed dissatisfaction with the resources distribution mechanism and fight against insurgency in the land which he said is laced with ethnic colouration and favouritism, citing the government handling of Boko Haram as a case in point.
He however, advised Nigerians not to despair but watch and pray, assuring that God who is the supreme leader will not let them down.
On his part, the Synod Secretary, Methodist Diocese of Otukpo, the Very Rev Frederick Onoja, thanked God and the authorities of the Methodist Church for choosing Otukpo as the venue of the Northern Ministers’ Retreat.
The Voice reports that, the Northern Region Ministers’ Retreat with the theme: “Watch and Pray” attracted Methodist clergymen from all over Northern Nigeria.
