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Tag: Cardinal Onaiyekan

  • It Doesn’t Make Sense To Swear-In People When There are Issues In Court – Onaiyekan

    It Doesn’t Make Sense To Swear-In People When There are Issues In Court – Onaiyekan

    The Bishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, says it does not make sense to swear in people into office when their electoral victories are being challenged in court.

    Onaiyekan shared this opinion during an interview with Channels TV on Thursday, April 4.

    While speaking on fairness, Onaiyekan said:

    “There are cases in court that have not been disposed of. That is why we are in an anomalous situation. We have a president-elect whose election is being challenged and the court is handling it. I’m still waiting for the court to tell me who won the election. It doesn’t make much sense to be swearing in people when they are still in court. I know it has happened with governors but the outcome has really not been the best of all cases. I think we need to review our election process, so we do have a winner who will be sworn in and whom everybody would rally around.

    It is a pity that it is taking longer for the court to come to its decision. My problem is that the whole system of our election must be properly reviewed so that it would be easier for winners to emerge according to the wishes of the people. It is not right to have a system that is constantly contested. We should find out why is every election being contested.”he said

    The outcome of the February 25, 2023, Presidential election is currently being challenged in court by Atiku Abubakar of the PDP and Peter Obi of the APC. the presidential election tribunal will begin hearing of the petitions on May 8.

  • 2023: Politicians Who Use Languages, Want To Win At All Cost Are Undemocratic – Onaiyekan

    2023: Politicians Who Use Languages, Want To Win At All Cost Are Undemocratic – Onaiyekan

    The emeritus Archbishop of Abuja Catholic Archdioceses, Cardinal John Onaiyekan has warned politicians against using “warlike language” and insisting on winning the forthcoming general elections next year.

    Cardinal Onaiyekan gave the warning while featuring on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics.

    The cleric, who is also a member of the National Peace Committee, said that candidates insisting on winning the next general elections at all costs are not democratic.

    The Archbishop noted that some politicians use combative language very often in their political campaigns, adding that such a campaign would not bring progress to the nation.

    “For politicians, I will beg them. Enough of lies, enough of insistence that we must win, because there are politicians who keep saying we must win this election, whatever it takes, we will win.

    “That kind of language is not democratic; it is the language of those who are going to war,” he said.

  • Cardinal Onaiyekan, Governor Lalong Visit Islamic Centre During Fasting

    Cardinal Onaiyekan, Governor Lalong Visit Islamic Centre During Fasting

    His Eminence, John Cardinal Onaiyekan and Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State were at the Al-habibiyya Islamic Centre in Guzape, Abuja to make donations to the Centre as part of the annual reach out of the Cardinal to the Muslim community.

    Governor Lalong who accompanied Cardinal Onaiyekan to the breaking of fast described the gesture as exemplary and capable of eliminating the intolerance and suspicion that exists between Christians and Muslims. He commended the Cardinal for demonstrating the love of God to Muslims and people of other faiths.

    He explained that such interactions and solidarity will foster peaceful coexistence among Nigerians and remove the negative narratives of religious differences that have become a major threat to the progress of Nigeria.

    Lalong said his passion for peace will continue to motivate him towards reaching out to people of different ethno religious backgrounds in order to ensure that humanity is respected and defended.

    John Cardinal Onaiyekan appreciated the Al-habibiyya Islamic Centre for always inviting him, describing the gesture as a good step towards building bridges and demystifying the so-called differences said to exist among Nigerians that have been exploited for negative reasons.

    He said despite the terror unleashed on Nigerians by few criminal elements, Nigerians are largely peaceful people that love one another and are tolerant of one another’s religious, political and ethnic persuasions. He therefore advised against the propagation of the notion that Nigerians are at war with one another which is incorrect.

    Imam the Al-habibiyya Islamic Centre Fuad Adayemi said the visit of the Governor and the Cardinal is significant and shows their antecedents as peacemakers and leaders who should be emulated.

    Imam Fuad who is the presenter of Abrahamic Mission on NTA Network appreciated Governor Simon Lalong for appearing on the programme and continuously working to entrench peace and progress in Plateau State and Nigeria as a whole.

    NDLEA Chairman, Gen. Buba Marwa also attended the breaking of fast where the Cardinal and Governor Lalong participated in the sharing of food donated to the ummah. Prayers were offered for the peace of Nigeria.