The Methodist Bishops of Nigeria have called on the Federal Government to implement effective policies to curb inflation, warning that failure to address the economic challenges facing Nigerians could lead to chaos and anarchy. This appeal was made during the 41st annual council meeting of Bishops of the Methodist Church in Nigeria, held at Hoares Memorial Methodist Cathedral in Lagos, with the theme “Arise and Build.”
The Bishops emphasized the need for concerted government efforts to alleviate financial strain on consumers and maintain economic stability amidst ongoing challenges. In a communiqué read by the Prelate, Dr. Oliver Ali Aba, the Council expressed alarm over the high unemployment rate among young people, linking it to various social vices such as teenage pregnancy, cultism, fraud, exam malpractices, political thuggery, prostitution, drug abuse, and other criminal activities. The Bishops warned that these issues, if left unaddressed, could lead to widespread chaos and anarchy.
They urged the government and parents to take responsibility for empowering the youth and stressed the urgent need for action to address these social problems. The Council also called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts to tackle the worsening insecurity in the country, condemning the violent actions of criminals like bandits, kidnappers, and armed robbers. They demanded accountability for recent attacks on public institutions and urged security agencies to collaborate on finding comprehensive solutions to Nigeria’s security challenges.
### Islamic Cleric Warns Against Greed Among Politicians
In a related development, popular Islamic cleric Imam Muideen Salman urged politicians to curb greed to reduce hardship in Nigeria. Speaking at the Fidau prayer for Mama Hajarat Akinleye, mother of the Chief of Staff to the Osun Governor, Kazeem Akinleye, held at the Osun NYSC camp in Ede, Imam Salman emphasized the need for politicians to live a life of service rather than selfishness.
Addressing the politicians present, he reminded them of their accountability to God after leaving office and on Judgment Day. He stressed the importance of prioritizing the welfare of the masses, who are suffering due to political greed. Imam Salman warned that political authority is temporary and urged politicians to reduce their greed and selfishness to make life more bearable for the poor, thereby avoiding the wrath of God.
