Chuks Okocha
The Conference of Middle Belt Bishops has called on a businessman-turned politician, Mr. Moses Ayom, to contest for the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The delegates from the Bishops conference include: Arch Bishop Edward C. Williams; Bishop David Usman; Bishop Emmanuel Jayeola, Bishop Olufemi Babalola; Dr. Prophet Sina Abimbola; Bishop Jeremiah Otubor; Bishop Festus Happiness Onyemachi; Bishop Emeka Theodore Nwizugbo; Bishop Timothy Cheren and Bishop Adams Abel Kings.
According to the leader, Williams, they are from the Middle Belt Bishops Council, a trans-denominational coalition of passionate clergymen and servant in God’s vineyard, believe in the indivisibility of Nigeria as one nation under God with great potentials, which have failed to be utilised to the fullest capacity.
He said: “After prayerful deliberations, we have found it necessary to pay you this historic visit. The outcome of which we believe will determine whether our country remains on the pathway of realising these enormous potential or not.
“Our dear brother, as you are aware, the country is once again undergoing another round of a delicate political transition which if not properly managed will spell doom for all of us.”
They told Ayom that they were tired of being mere passengers and on lookers in the vehicle called Nigeria.
“The impression is being created that political power at the highest echelon is a ping pong game between the far north and the south while the middle belt is a mere net to be used in scoring points. We as spiritual fathers and watchers in the middle belt have, therefore, decided it is time for us to also stake our claims in this project called Nigeria.
“Now is the time to be assured that we are equal stakeholders and not second or third rate citizens in Nigeria. Like they say in pidgin, dem no carry us come. We sef na our papa house we dey.
“Nigeria has the opportunity to correct the injustices meted out on the people of the middle belt. We make bold to say the middle belt is the thread that knits Nigeria together. Now is the time to make us feel integral in the affairs of our fatherland,” they said.
The bishops said after extensive prayers and a careful sifting of the galaxy of stars, who have distinguished themselves in various fields, it was their conclusion that Ayom was their best option and ticked all the boxes and possess all it would take to provide credible leadership to Nigeria.
Responding, Ayom, who cautioned that the Middle Belt should not be turned into a cannon fodder to any geo-political zone, said: “I share your sentiments on the fate of the people of the middle belt in Nigeria. I am a firm believer in justice, equity and fair play appreciation.
“What is sauce for the goose should be sauce for the gander. The middle belt should never be anyone’s political cannon folder. We have a right to the dividends of citizenship like every other group in Nigeria. We cannot remain second class citizens.
“This struggle was pioneered by our forebears including the legendary JS Tarka, Solomon Lar and the others. They joined the other founding fathers in creating a country, where no man is oppressed and no part is marginalized. Now is the time to make good that founding promise of nationhood”
He said the presidency of Nigeria cannot be realized by one component part alone.
“It requires a broad based consensus of Nigerians working together for the common good I want to, however, assure you all that whatever the outcome of the consultations, I am prepared to give my utmost for the progress of Nigeria,” he said.
According to him, already, President Muhammadu Buhari has laid a solid foundation for recovery, noting that whoever comes after him must therefore build on this foundation for the greater good of our nation.
“I thank you for this visit and your spiritual blessings and once more, I appreciate your sentiments,” Ayom declared.
