The Primate of The Church of the Lord (Worldwide),The Most Rev. (Dr.) Rufus Okikiola Ositelu, has urged the Federal and State Governments, stakeholders and all Nigerians to aggressively and decisively combat insecurity in the country.
Primate Ositelu stated this during his address on state of the nation, delivered at the 2021 edition of Mount Tabieorar Festival, held at the Church’s headquarters and camping ground in Ogere, Ogun State.
He said the security architecture of the country is due for review, adding that the current agitation by some sections of the country to break away is an indication of loss of confidence and lack of trust in government.
On corruption, Primate Ositelu said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) should be strengthened and empowered, and if necessary merged together in order to fight corruption more aggressively, while putting more stringent measures and policies in place.
The Primate urged the Federal Government to consider the decentralization system of Policing, by introducing Regional and Community Police to deliver more effective and efficient service, saying: “Life is precious and sacred, and no one has the right to terminate it with impunity.”
He stated that those responsible for insurgency, shedding of innocent blood, wanton destruction of lives and property, banditry, insurgency and kidnapping of people including innocent school children should be brought to book and prosecuted.
The Primate also said restructuring into regional governments is the prerequisite for ensuring good governance, fairness, equity, justice, peaceful coexistence as well as economic development for Nigeria.
“It is the panacea for the myriad of challenges confronting the country. I, therefore, urge the Federal Government and the National Assembly to give it due consideration in order to enhance and fast-track the development of the country.
“Fiscal Federalism is the major antidote for many of the woes confronting Nigeria. With Fiscal Federalism in place, all the regional violent groups will seize to exist.
“I hereby urge the Federal Government and the National Assembly to promote Fiscal Federalism and regional integration, and healthy competition among the component units of the federation,” he said
Primate Ositelu fuether said the diversification of the economy should be implemented more vigorously, especially in the areas of agriculture and mineral resources, nothing that the Federal Government can use the agricultural, mining, manufacturing and information technology sectors to reverse the trend of mass unemployment among the youth.
He urged the Federal Government to vigorously address the issue of electricity, stressing that it will create avenues for wealth creation and massive employment.
Primate Ositelu enjoined Nigerians to have the fear of God, and continue to intercede for Nigeria so that peace, security and prosperity will reign in the country.
