Put Nigeria Above Personal Interest, Kukah Charges Politicians

Jethro Ibileke/Benin

Political office seekers in the country have been enjoined to have consideration for the well-being of the country before consideration for their personal ambition and interest.

The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, gave the advice on Thursday during the church service to mark the 80th birthday of the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion.

The event was was held at St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church, Benin.

The Cleric who noted that Nigeria was going through difficult times and myriads of other problems, said that there must first be a country before anyone can seek for political office, just as he urged Nigerians to pray for President Goodluck Jonathan and the country.

“This is not time to cast blames. We are in a boat that is threatening to capsize. The future of our country is at stake,” he said.

Kukah who spoke on the theme “Wealth,” said the real challenge of wealth is what to do with it when people find it, adding that the parable of the talents recorded in Matthew in the Holy Bible suggests that God has given us gifts which we would be required to give account of.

“We would give account of what God has entrusted to us in whatever position we find ourselves,” Bishop Kukah said.

Citing the example of King Solomon as recorded in 1Kings, chapter 3, verses 11-14, the Catholic cleric said the challenge of wealth is  how to dispense it, adding that “it is not how much we flaunt our wealth but how much we use it to help others. Whatever gift God has given to us is meant for the service of others.”

He lauded the industrious and philanthropic spirit of Chief Igbinedion and prayed for long life for him and blessings for Nigeria.

Highlight of the service was the presentation of Papal blessings from Rome to Chief Igbinedion by the Catholic Archbishop of the Benin Metropolitan See, His Grace, Archbishop Augustine Akubeze.

The birthday was attended by people from all walks of life.