The Catholic Bishop of Abeokuta Diocese, Most Rev. Peter Olukayode Odetoyinbo, has called for new orientation and attitudinal change on the part of all Nigerians for the country to be a better place for all citizens.
Bishop Odetoyinbo made the call in his 2022 Christmas Message, titled, “Let the Joy of Christ’s birth rekindle our hope”.
He said every heart must embrace a better attitude and lifestyle in the New Year.
According to him, “If we desire a new Nigeria, then it must come with new orientation and attitudinal change.
“We all think of changing Nigeria but let one of us begin by first changing his or her attitude, then Nigeria will be a better place”.
“Imagine how kidnapping, bribery, vote-buying, ballot box snatching, forgery, insurgency, banditry, robbery and other related vices would become things of the past if everyone of us decides to embrace a ‘change of attitude’ as we approach the New Year.” he said.
The Bishop noted that a change of attitude and orientation, “particularly as we prepare for the general elections is our clarion call”, adding that “all forms of vote selling and incentives by politicians who have turned our willpower to merchandise, be rejected.”
He stressed that Nigerians should not sell their votes for pecuniary gains, adding that Nigerians should join hands to save Nigeria by electing credible leaders that will salvage things from getting worse.
“It is not enough to desire the joy of a new Nigeria, without a corresponding responsibility.”
“Our desired future will only emerge when we go out determined to cast our votes for the candidates we believe can deliver on the dividends of democracy and help fulfil our dream of a prosperous nation,” Bishop Odetoyinbo said.
He urged citizen to go and collect their permanent voters’ cards and vote wisely in the coming general elections.
“I have said this at various fora and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria has reiterated this to us over and over again.
“We must therefore cast off the darkness of the night and embrace the new light of the day through the renewing power of the birth of Jesus.”
He, however, advised Christians that even as they celebrate Christmas, they should be reminded of Christ’s second coming when he shall come to judge the living and the dead.
He urged Christians to constantly get ready by their way of life, saying “the work of charity to one another should reflect this reality and let our joy therefore be made manifest as we share with our brothers and sisters this season and always. nan.”
