By CHIDINMA EWUNONU-ALUKO

The Most Rev. Williams Aladekugbe, Archbishop of Ibadan Province and Bishop, Ibadan North Anglican Diocese, has cautioned politicians to address the nation’s security challenges rather than focus on winning elections.

Aladekugbe, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Monday, said leaving matters of insecurity unaddressed could lead to greater danger.

The archbishop, who said the nation’s security challenge has become worrisome, expressed concern that politicians now focus more on winning elections rather than eliminating terrorists.

He said that the level of terrorism, banditry and kidnapping in Nigeria has driven Nigerians, particularly, to the edge.

“We have no words of calm for the youth any longer; we have gotten to a situation where there is no more sanctity for human blood in our country.

“If our leaders are overwhelmed with this terrible situation, why don’t we call on the international community to come to our rescue?

“Must we all die in silence?

“If the politicians get elected, who would they govern?”

“We are greatly pained by the loss of our sense of humanity; we are grieved over the unchecked killings by bandits and murderous herdsmen, the inordinate ambition to get elected has eaten up our politicians,” he said.

According to Aladekugbe, politicians look unbothered about the security and lives of citizens.

“The shameless dancing at rallies is a misplaced priority.

“Many parents have virtually become naked because all their children have relocated; this affects our unity, scares investors away and drives our best brains abroad,” he said.

Aladekugbe also worried that the nation’s valiant soldiers and police officers were being killed daily because of a security system weakened by infiltration and compromise.

“It is our prayers at this Pentecost season that the spirit of the Living God will have a place in the lives of our politicians to redirect their focus,” he said.

Nevertheless, the archbishop enjoined Nigerians, especially Christians, to imbibe the culture of thanksgiving, despite all odds. (NAN)

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