5th August, 2015
Bishop Paulinus Ezeokafor of the Catholic Diocese of Awka, Anambra, on Wednesday called on Nigerians to be patriotic and accord respect to legitimately constituted authorities.
Ezeokafor said this in his message to Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra on the occasion of his 60 birthday in Awka.
The cleric said that any government constituted under democracy deserved the support of the citizens who put it in place for meaningful economic progress to take place.
“Every legitimate government deserves respect of the people, we must support our governments; but that does not mean we cannot criticise them but it must be constructive,” he said.
The cleric described Obiano as a fortunate man who had done well for himself as an individual and a governor with genuine concern for the wellbeing of the state.
He advised the citizens of the state to continue to pay their legitimate taxes to the state treasury which he said was part of the civic duties for the state to implement its projects and other programmes for them.
He also called on the state civil servants to justify their monthly salaries by rendering corresponding services to the state, and by extension, to the citizenry.
Obiano said that a worker who received his or wages without working was robbing the state and does not deserve it.
The bishop also urged the citizens to always treat public property as theirs by protecting them, adding that it would be wrong of them to conclude that government’s business was nobody’s business.
“It takes people for government to succeed; they must do their part, pay taxes and justify their wages in this era of dwindling oil revenue.
“That is only when they can hold the government responsible,’’ he said.
Ezeokafor acknowledged the relative security environment in the state.
He, however, challenged Obiano-led administration to create a more conducive Anambra where business would thrive better with higher prosperity for the people.
The prelate advised the governor to identify with the grassroots so as to feel their pulses and shun sycophants that would only want to tell him what they thought would be palatable to his ears.
“Obiano must have an open ear so that he can get the true feelings of his people.
“Politicians must condemn their supporters’ negative behaviours.
“We need peace which comes with unity. Though political differences are inevitable, it is only in peace that the majority will have richer lives,” he said.
He prayed for continued peace and development in the state and Nigeria in general while he urged the citizens to have the fear of God in all they do.