Buhari Should Include Clergy in IDP C’ttee, Says Archbishop By Ugo Aliogoâ

 Archbishop of Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, Adewale Martins

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The Archbishop of Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, Adewale Martins, has advised President Muhammadu Buhari to include religious leaders in the committees to be set up for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

He stated that religious leaders would play a major role in addressing the needs of the people, adding that the worship centres destroyed would be rebuilt, and normalcy restored in those North-east region.  

The cleric, who gave the charge during the commencement of the Archbishop Adewale Martins Catholic Competition with the theme: ‘Know thy faith,’ said the effort of the present administration to wipe out the Boko Haram scourge is highly commendable.

He noted that since the assumption of office, Buhari had intensified efforts to fight terrorism scourge, which has led to the destruction of the sects’ strongholds in many parts of the North-east.

Martins lamented the havoc caused by the sect leading to the loss of lives and property by families in the region, noting that many families are struggling to start life all over again, “therefore the religious leaders have a great role to play in getting them back to the mainstream of society.

“It is important we support the charity works for those who are displaced and some of the facilities that were broken down, indeed we are hoping that as government sets up the different committees to look into how to rebuild the facilities that were broken, they would not fail to include faith-based groups and religious leaders in the committees.

“This is because the destroyed properties were not only markets, schools, but also churches, and things should be done to include ministers of different religion in those committees. Otherwise, attention will not be paid to churches and mosque.”

Speaking on the essence of the ceremony, the Archbishop said the competition is expected to be among different families in parishes in Lagos State, who have studied the catholic faith and the scriptures, adding that: “The competition will test how deep they know the catholic faith and the scriptures.”

He commended the knights of Saint John (KSJ) for organising the competition, expressing confidence that such competitions would help to improve the moral life of the people and the nation in general.

  “Therefore we are hopeful that with the moral regeneration this competition will bring, it will also address some of these areas that have caused problems for the nation. We believe that this competition will also make an important impact in the life of the church and the country.

“We are aware of the present fight against corruption that the presidency is embarking on, it is our hope that this competition will be in full support against corruption. I want to say that when people’s morals are shaped properly, corruption will slow down,” he said