The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, on Sunday warned Nigerian politicians against using their office for vengeance, saying they should “learn to forgive”.
According to him, if politicians and other citizens learn to forgive one another, there will be and development in the country.
Onaiyekan gave the warning while delivering his sermon at the thanksgiving mass organised in honor of the 70th birthday celebration of a businessman, Emeka Asoegwu, at St Rita’s Catholic Church in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
The thanksgiving mass was also used to raise funds for the St. Rita’s Church Foundation.
He said, “Politicians should learn to forgive and stop using their power to hunt their enemies. We should learn to share and care for others and our neighbours like the disciples did with the five loaves of bread and two fishes in the Bible.”
The cleric also called on Nigerians to “be cautious in wine drinking, in order not to abuse it.”
Referring to the miracle of turning water into wine by Jesus Christ at a wedding in Canaan as recorded in the Bible, he said wine was created “to cheer up our spirits but it should not be abused as the outcome of excessive drinking is never pleasant.”
While congratulating Asoegbu on his 70th birthday, Onaiyekan quoted the Bible stating that 70 years was “the sum of our years.”
He blessed and thanked God for Asoegbu, praying that the rest of his years remain peaceful.
The Bishop of Lafia Diocese, Most Rev. Mathew Ishaya, described Onaiyekan’s visit as an act of humility as taught by Jesus Christ.
He also asked Onaiyekan to shower his blessings on St Rita’s Church to enable them start the New Year with loads of blessings.
Asoegbu said he was overjoyed that God has preserved his life till now.
“I feel very proud and elated for all my friends that have come to celebrate with me. I am most grateful to God, for His kindness and mercy upon me all these years of my life,” he said.
