Ibadan: Most Rev. Emmanuel Badejo, the Catholic Bishop of Oyo Diocese, has called for an end to impunity in Nigeria’s security crisis as Christians celebrate Easter. Badejo made the call on Wednesday in an interview in Ibadan. Referencing Jesus’s promise to give life to the full, according to John 10:10, the bishop emphasized that Easter was for life and not death.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Badejo remarked that leaders who failed to protect citizens and keep promises without fulfillment deserved no respect or recognition. He questioned why leaders were holding rallies and conventions while citizens were being slaughtered, highlighting the helplessness of the most populated country in Africa amidst escalating criminality. Quoting Pope Leo on Palm Sunday, Badejo pointed out that God doesn’t listen to the prayers of war mongers and criticized leaders who do nothing while innocent Nigerians are massacred.
Badejo described the current Nigerian situation as evil, calling for decisive action from leaders to crush terrorists and secure Nigerian lives as the only acceptable Easter wish. He criticized leaders who celebrate conventions while avoidable deaths continue without resistance. Badejo mentioned the alleged warning from terrorists about unleashing terror across the country and expressed shame that these killings occurred as predicted.
The bishop also questioned the disparity in the government’s response to different groups, noting the vigor in arresting protesters and fraudsters compared to the weakness shown towards terrorists and murderers. He urged President Bola Tinubu to act urgently, stating that Nigerians are fed up with empty promises and apologies. Badejo emphasized that the president must act with authority and mandate or call on Nigerians to defend themselves.
Despite the challenges, the bishop encouraged Christians to remain steadfast in faith, prayers, and unity. He assured that God, who raised Jesus from the dead despite the intrigues of Pilate and his soldiers, will arise and confound His foes.