As the 2027 general elections approach with the electioneering campaigns going on, the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Reverend Paulinus Ezeokafor, is of the opinion that incumbent President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has not done well in his first term to deserve reelection.
The prelate made the remarks at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral, Awka, where Priests, consecrated men and ladies, lay faithful, and other dignitaries trooped out en masse to participate in this year’s Cathedraticum ceremony.
The celebration, which started with a concelebrated Eucharistic Mass, witnessed the renewal of priestly vows and the blessing of oil for the sick, as well as homage paid to the Bishop with various offerings.
Addressing the congregants in a homily, Bishop Ezeokafor cited the incessant killings across the country, the persistent electricity challenge, and the hike in fuel price, among other negative indices that have left a sour taste in the mouth of all Nigerians.
He maintained that those asking for his return are the people benefiting directly from his government, insisting that there is no visible substantiation to the numerous claims of good governance by the Tinubu administration.
The catholic bishop urged Nigerian to look for a better alternative come 2027, insisting that re-electing President Tinubu will amount to reinforcing failure.
“A government that is helpless in the face of insecurity is not doing well. Farmers across the country cannot produce maximally because of the Fulani-Herdsmen clashes.
“The President made a promise to address power issues within two years of coming into power, yet today, we are still groping in darkness. Today, the government is proposing a solar power project to power Aso Rock, and you wonder: what, then, is the hope of the common man?
“So, across the key areas, Nigeria is facing challenges, and the present administration of President Tinubu has not done well. Recently, the Senate approved a huge loan for the government to take out, and you wonder where these funds are being put.
“So, we need to see visible efforts by the president before we consider re-electing him,” he said.
The Charismatic prelate questioned the rationale behind the thinking that the people of Southeastern Nigeria are not ripe enough to take a shot at the Nation’s presidency, stating that Igbos are one of the three major ethnic groups in the country, and deserve a fair chance at the nation’s helm.
He urged the Igbos to resist vote-buying during the 2027 general elections and vote for the right candidates, reminding them that whoever they collect money to vote for has bought their conscience for the next four years.
Speaking to priests, the bishop urged them to remain steadfast to the vows to took before God and the congregation to take care of his flock.
He advised them to refrain from uncontrolled love for the world and materialism, reminding them that exploiting their congregation will attract the wrath of God.
On the issue of child upbringing, Bishop Ezeokafor lampooned parents over what he described as an avoidable parental gap, exhorting the parents to ensure that they train their children morally and not just academically.
Ezeokafor urged parents to pay closer attention to the well-being of their children, expressing regret that the attack on the family nowadays has become so intense, because parents are no longer alive to their duties.
“Parents should take care of their children. They should not leave their responsibility and their children in the hands of the teachers and caregivers. These children need parental guidance. They need adequate love and grooming.
“Parents should take their children closer to God. Sending them to school is not enough. Leaving your children at the mercy of these people is so wrong. Make sure you have enough time with your wards. Training them academically with morals would be tantamount to training intelligent and smart criminals,” the prelate concluded.
