The Arch Bishop of Owerri Archdiocese and president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) Most Rev Lucious Iwejuru Ugorji has noted that unfulfilled electoral promises are very dangerous and injurious to the development
According to him, ” in coming federal and state governments have should be reminded that several unfulfilled electoral promises, not only helped in distancing the citizens from the government but also engineered doubt, agitation and severe suffering in the land.”
Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, made the observation weekend, during a pastoral visit to St. Charles Catholic Parish, Okwu Ogbaku, Mbaitoli local government area of Imo State.
He further said, “There will be new administrations in some states of the federation and at the federal level and there is the need to remind all the incoming administrations that several unfulfilled electoral promises, over the years, have not only distanced the citizenry from government but has also engineered large scale agony, doubt, agitation and unbridled suffering in the land.”
According to him, ” the outgoing administration told us that it would fight corruption, insecurity, as well as ensure rule of law, massive food production, good roads, improved public power supply, good healthcare facilities, massive youth employment and enhanced welfare for the people,”
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“The pertinent questions that necessarily follow, are: How many of these promises were kept? How many court orders were religiously respected or floured? Has corruption abated?’
“We urge all new administrations to be true to their electoral promises and oath of office. This will help to bring the people closer to government, restore confidence in government, improve people’s welfare, eliminate agitation and feeling of marginalization.”
Archbishop Ugorji, said that the citizenry was no longer getting comfortable with pronouncements from the courts, and urged the nation’s judicial officers, to resist the temptation to compromise and betray the confidence reposed in them.
He however pleaded with the judges to imbibe the culture of equity, justice, and fair play to regain their integrity
According to him, “Judges should dispense justice without fear or favour, irrespective of who is involved.”
“they must constantly think of God’s wrath if they miscarry justice. Our judges must remember God’s judgment day.” pointing out that Nigeria is in serious need of just and courageous judges and not corrupt judges.”
He expressed deep worry that despite repeated promises and assurances, given by the outgoing administration, insecurity, selfishness, corruption, senseless and violent loss of precious human lives, gross poverty, and other social vices, remained prevalent in Nigeria.
The Arch Bishop prayed, “May the good Lord help the incoming administrations to save us from these ugly happenings.”
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