26th June, 2015
The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Adewale Martins, has advised the federal lawmakers and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to put their house in order in the interest of the nation.
Martins said this in a statement in Lagos on Friday, in reaction to the leadership crisis rocking the National Assembly.
A copy of the statement was made available to NAN in Lagos.
The archbishop said the interest and well-being of Nigerians should, as a matter of priority, take precedence over those of the party and its members.
“The leadership of the All Progressives Congress and indeed members of the National Assembly should, as a matter of national interest, put its house in order and resolve the crisis, particularly over the leadership of the National Assembly.
“The continuous bickering in the Senate and House of Representatives should be resolved soonest to allow for smooth governance at the federal level.
“The continuous crisis within the party’s fold is slowing down the business of serious governance, thereby sending negative signals to the masses of this great country over its readiness and ability to deliver on the change it promised the nation.
“So much time has already been wasted while the people watch with great concern and anxiety,” Martins said.
The Archbishop warned that failure of the ruling party to put its house in order and resolve all contending issues amicably, could further polarise the fragile unity of the nation.
“The warring parties must sheathe their swords now and allow peace to reign in the interest of the nation,” he said.
Martins said that the infighting was contrary to the effort and determination of President Muhammadu Buhari to engender the much vaunted positive change promised Nigerians during the party’s electoral campaigns.
“We are worried that the positive change in the fortunes of our people is being put at abeyance by this narrow self-interest that is being exhibited in the Senate, in these past few weeks.
“Nigerians voted APC at the last elections because they believe it has the capability to bring about the much needed positive change in all aspects of our lives,” he said.
The archbishop urged the APC National Chairman, Chief John Oyegun, the Senate President, Bukola Saraki and the entire leadership of the National Assembly to put the wellbeing of the Nigerian masses first.
Martins, while commenting on the controversy surrounding the huge remuneration being offered public office holders, said that the present realities necessitate all to make sacrifices.
“It is imperative for the Revenue Mobilization and Fiscal Planning Commission to embark on a drastic downward review of the salaries and allowance of all politicians,” he said.
Martins applauded President Muhammadu Buhari for effort made so far in repositioning the country towards the part of economic prudence.
He urged all the state governors to follow suit by cutting down on the cost of governance in order to ensure prudent management of available resources for the benefit of the masses.