Refrain from inciting utterances, cleric urges religious leadersMr Chima Echefu, a cleric, has urged religious leaders to refrain from making inciting and provocative utterances as most parts of the country battle insecurity.
Echefu who is the General Overseer of Heaven’s Gate Assembly in Owerri said this in a statement made available to newsmen in Owerri on Saturday.
He called on religious leaders in troubled parts of the country to guard their utterances so as to avoid worsening the security situation of the country.
He advised them to eschew prejudice and bias irrespective of their political inclinations and throw their weight behind government at all levels in the interest of national peace.
” As spiritual leaders and representatives of God, we have a duty to speak out when things go wrong in the society, just as prophets of old did whom we emulate in our daily lives.
” We are charged as spiritual directors to refrain from utterances capable of inciting the citizens against those in position of authority, instead we have the onerous duty of praying and interceding for those in government “, he said.
Echefu further spoke against the backdrop of ” divisive comments from some religious leaders in the face obvious security challenges” and urged them to build the country up rather than tear it down.
He commended Imo governor, Hope Uzodimma “for his personal sacrifices in the fight against violence and banditry ” in the state noting that leaders like him need all the support they can get to achieve their people friendly objectives.
” Sources confirm that 80 per cent of the dead bodies at the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri morgue are those of security operatives and this rightly means that alot of sacrifices have been made by the governor and others in authority.
” By virtue of our position in the church, high level information is obliged to us, most especially in confessions and I think it is wise to make proper call devoid of bias, politics and prejudices. As good shepherds, let’s guide the sheep aright “, he said.
