By Johnbosco Agbakwuru, Abuja
The Previous Seminarians Affiliation of Nigeria (OSAN) has expressed deep concern over the rising instances of abduction of Catholic monks throughout the nation, describing the clergy as “gentle targets” for kidnappers.
President of the Affiliation and Chief of Workers to the Senate President, Chinedu Francis Akubueze raised the alarm on the opening of the 4th Annual Conference of OSAN, with the theme: “Insecurity: Navigating the complexities of nation constructing,” held in Abuja, Friday.
Akubueze lamented that many monks have fallen sufferer to kidnappers in current instances, with the Catholic Church typically compelled to pay enormous ransom sums to safe their launch.
In keeping with him: “The clergy amongst us, who’re additionally previous seminarians, are more and more changing into endangered species. Fairly quite a lot of them have been kidnapped, and the Church has paid heavy ransoms. They’ve change into enticing targets for kidnappers who wrongly assume that the Church is rich.”
Akubueze, who was the speedy former Clerk of the Senate recommended the Nigerian Military for its efforts in apprehending the killers of Rev. Fr. Sylvester Okechukwu and rescuing Rev. Fr. John Ubaechu, however harassed that “extra must be executed” to deal with the foundation causes of insecurity and stop future tragedies.
The OSAN President referred to as on the federal government to prioritise the security and safety of all residents, no matter religion or career, and urged the Nigeria Inter-Non secular Council (NIREC) to take a stronger stand in opposition to assaults on clergy and worship centres.
“We collect at this time with heavy hearts to deliberate on the worsening insecurity in Nigeria, significantly the incessant kidnappings of Catholic monks,” Akubueze stated. “The Church seems helpless on this excruciating scenario, whereas authorities efforts have but to yield the specified outcomes.”
He famous that the conference would characteristic shows by eminent students and safety consultants to brainstorm and suggest proactive options to the disaster.
Akubueze reaffirmed the Affiliation’s dedication to selling unity, ethical self-discipline, and social accountability, values instilled throughout seminary coaching, and urged members to make use of their various platforms to advocate peace, safety, and good governance.
“Allow us to be a part of forces to construct a society the place everybody can dwell with out worry,” he stated. “We pray for the security of all kidnapped monks and residents, and we demand decisive motion from our leaders.”
A member of the panel of dialogue and Dean, School of Administration Sciences, Nile College of Nigeria, Prof. Could Ifeoma Nwoye, stated propaganda escalated insecurity within the nation, nothing that there are individuals who use it as a political means to unfold false info.
She stated the scenario within the nation has gotten to the extent the place Nigerian youths are ridiculed in some African nations that had been helped to attain independence.
She stated the leaders ought to look inward concerning the financial scenario and that concessional loans ought to be focused at elevating poverty.
“The starvation insecurity could be very devastating and folks have died for lack of financial means, ” she stated.
On her half, Prof. Sandra Obioha proposed {that a} college of etiquette ought to be established for aspiring political workplace holders, the place they may endure six months coaching to be acquainted with the calls for of the workplace.
She stated insecurity is the most important safety dealing with the nation and pleaded with the leaders to construct a powerful accountable establishments and even handed system.
“A real chief will plan for the following coverage however a politician will assume for the following election,” she stated.
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