Coup Scare, Sign of Bad Times, Says Kaigama

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, His Grace Most Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, has said that the recent alarm raised by the federal government alleging plot to overthrow the present administration may be an indication that things were not well in the country after all.

He also lamented that Boko Haram terrorists had continued to ravage the land while herdsmen/farmers menace had been allowed to fester and spread, developing into banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery and brutal killings.

Speaking at a media interactive forum yesterday in Abuja, Kaigama said that there was a strong perception that the country’s economy was heading for the doldrums unless the menace of corruption was arrested.

While reacting to recent statement issued by the presidency alleging that some past political leaders and religious leaders are plotting to overthrow the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration, Kaigama said that something must have gone wrong for the government to be contemplating a possible military take-over.

“I do not know what the politicians are doing among themselves, all we want is a stable democracy, a democracy that is productive and sensitive to the needs of the common man. A democracy that addresses problems and basic necessities. We are into discussing such unnecessary things like overthrow of government and military take-over.

“I thought we have forgotten that vocabulary. That people are even hinting about military take-over, is a sign that something is not right. But I thought it is a vocabulary that we will never, never again mention in the history of Nigeria.

But if it is being discussed whether real or imaginary, then it means we need to be attentive, especially those in leadership,” he said.

Kaigama however said there was no reason why anyone will be considering the idea of a military take-over if things were going well.

He added that if people were well catered and given the basic necessities of life, violence and crime rates would reduce drastically.

He said: “I am not involved in that and I don’t want to be involved in it, all I want to be involved in is a process that is making sure that our people live happily in unity and peace and that they get basic necessities of life to be able to live well.

The Archbishop who was flanked by the Director of Communications in the Abuja Archdiocese, Rev Fr. Patrick Alumuku and the Vice Chairman of Archdiocese Communication Commission, Dr. Law Mefor during the press conference, said a situation whereby a few people gather in the legislative chambers to discuss their pay packages and other mundane issues and leaving the welfare of the majority to suffer does not augur well for our democracy.

On the fight against corruption, Kaigama expressed dismay that the war against corruption was not effectively being fought.

“We are yet to witness a concerted effort by the government to ensure that public officials accused of greed and grafts are brought to book without delay or debate. What is more, the necessary loopholes through which monies are siphoned from the public treasury are yet to be plugged, giving credence to the assertion that there is no credible template created upon which the war on corruption is to be fought,” he said.

According to him the rate of Unemployment is not only alarming but is now a national embarrassment.

He said that a lot of youths were looking for jobs that were nowhere to be found, adding the situation had resulted in many engaging in anti-social behaviours, drugs, alcohol, violence and reckless lifestyle

On insecurity, Kaigama said the proliferation of many forms of self-help security outfits was evidence that security is deficient.

When asked his view over the alleged professed link of a serving Minister and terrorists, Kaigama said even though the minister had said that he made the statement as an adolescent, he still needs more explanation to Nigerians on the issue.

He also spoke on the public concerns about the utterances and role of the controversial Muslim cleric, Sheik Gumi on governance and Insecurity in the country, cautioning that no one should take Nigerians for granted by making inciting statements.

Kaigama also spoke on the issue of the Enugu-based fiery Catholic priest, Rev.Fr. Ejike Mbaka, saying that the church was not against his teachings or prophetic pronouncements but that dabbling into politics was not allowed for priests.

“Father Mbaka is a Catholic priest but he should realise that the Catholic priests are bound by the cannon law number 285 from engaging in anything ‘foreign or unbecoming’ in their conduct.

“We are not against Mbaka, we are not against Sheik Gumi and we are not against anyone who voices out his opinion. what we are saying is that priests should not dabble into politics. Whatever you are saying should bring peace, unity, harmony and order,” he said.