Nigeria At 61: Cleric Laments Hardship, Insecurity, Says There’s Nothing To Celebrate

By Shabanyan Kantiok.

NEWSDAILYNIGERIA– The parish Priest of St Anthony of Padua, Romi, Catholic Archdiocese of Kaduna, Very Rev. Fr Emmanuel Abiriyi, has lamented the level of hardship and insecurity bedevilling Nigeria and submitted that there’s nothing to celebrate on the 61st independence anniversary as a nation.

He made this known in his homily at a Special Mass marking the 61st independence Day celebration of Nigeria, on Friday in Kaduna “there’s nothing to celebrate as there is no hope for the common man in this country

“except for the Grace of God because since years back things have been getting from bad to worse” he added

The cleric however admonished the faithful and Nigerians to go back to God on their knees and pray for Nigeria in its present day predicaments, adding that, it is only prayers that will save us from these dangers.

According to him, the ” Catholic Church has always interceded for Nigeria through our Blessed Mother, Virgin Mary, who will save this country from all the challenges we are faced with ”

He further assured all and sundry of victory if only we can put our faith and hope in God’s hands.

The respected priest maintained “Nigeria has no good leadership, we only have leaders who oppress their citizens by abusing official mandates and nonchalant approach to serious issues affecting its citizenry”

Adding that, the Hausa saying “Allah ba azalimin kowa” means that, God is not oppressor of anyone, becomes our hope for the future, and will stand for his people to shield us from our oppressors” he averred.

When asked what his advice to the Government is, he said government should use the advice of the Catholic Bishops conference over the years if they really want to move the country to its rightful place as the country mark its 61st independence day celebration, adding that, where there is good Will there will always be a way.