Nigerians urged to live up to their responsibilities

A call has been made for a change of heart on the part of all Nigerians in the discharge of their expected responsibilities as citizens of the country, instead of expecting government to do everything for them.

The admonition was made by the Archbishop of Jos who is also President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Ignatius Kaigama in his homily at the priestly ordination Mass of six Augustinian Deacons, at St Monica’s Catholic Church, Rantya, Jos, Plateau State, recently.

To illustrate his point, the Archbishop cited an incident that happened in Nigeria where people risked their lives simply because they wanted to scoop fuel from an overurned Petrol Tanker, in Jos. Archbishop Kaigama noted that, “Many Nigerians often neglect their personal responsibility and blame government for everything." He added, “Those who went to fetch the fuel should have known that they did not need the government to remind them that it was dangerous.”

The Archbishop declared, “We should learn to protect ourselves, report cases of crime, stay away from danger, be honest. These, the government cannot do for us. The first reading from (the book) of Numbers 11 tells us how effective collaboration is fruitful," he said. The Archbishop stessed the need for collaboration between the people and leadership of the country. He noted that since the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari came to power, "many have been expecting an instantaneous or magical transformation of Nigeria without willing to make personal sacrifices or to collaborate with the government to bring this about,” Archbishop Kaigama said.

Expanding further on the collaborative responsibility of the people, Archbishop Kaigama declared, “I believe the word "change" in the Nigerian vocabulary today refers not only to physical or economic change but also a change of heart (metanoia), a new way of thinking and doing things, putting our talents to positive use as  the second reading from Romans 12:4-8 prescribes, respecting the common good such as not vandalizing NEPA wires or oil pipes lines, respecting the lives and property of fellow Nigerians, disciplined behaviour by all citizens, the prudent and patriotic use of economic resources by our leaders," Bishop Kaigama elaborated.

He continued: “For the government or the Church to succeed, leaders need to be helped and supported just as we read in the first reading (Numbers 11) that 70 elders helped Moses to succeed. Senators and Members of the House of Representatives are like the 70 elders of Moses' time and so must help President Buhari to bring about the much desired change for the better in the life of every Nigerian. In our Church in the Archdiocese of Jos, whether it is about evangelization or building our new Cathedral all must collaborate and be passionately involved," the Archbishop insisted.

Archbishop Kaigama also made reference to the latest Encyclical of the Holy Father Pope Francis  titled, Laudato Si’ in which the Pope stressed the need to care for the earth and protect the environment. The Archbishop pointed out that, “love is not only about persons but also about and for nature”.

(CBCN), 

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