The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Most (Rev) Ignatius Kaigama, has commended the Senate for rescinding its earlier resolution stopping electronic transmission of election results in 2023.
The Archbishop gave the commendation in his homily on Sunday at St. Luke’s Parish, Kubwa, in Abuja.
TheFact Nigeria reports that in a volte face, the Senators, upon return from their recess, had amended provisions of the electoral bill wherein, it allowed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) the prerogative of determining mode of transmission of election results.
Kaigama said there is an eagerness by politicians to occupy public offices, without a corresponding eagerness to serve.
“The eagerness of politicians to occupy strategic positions does not amount to the eagerness to serve the teeming youths, people with disabilities, widows, orphans, senior citizens, women discriminated against, children, etc., but to be served and to command power.
“Jesus calls us to do the opposite: ‘You know that among the pagans their so-called rulers lord it over them, and their great men make their authority felt. This is not to happen among you. No; anyone who wants to become great among you must be your servant’ (Mk.10:42-44)”.
According to His Grace, what the federal lawmakers did, was a departure from what Nigerian politicians are known for.
Hear him: “A good and commendable example of sensitivity to the people’s wish is the Senate rescinding its earlier decision against the electronic transmission of election results by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to ensure credible polls. Leaders must learn Jesus’ humility who washed the feet of His apostles (cf. Jn. 13:13-14), to wash the feet of those they serve without lording it over them by exercising authority in a tyrannical manner.
We must all shun the mentality of “not what you know but who you know”.
“This mentality of nepotism and favouritism has unfortunately become noticeable in appointments, recruitment and admission into important institutions, etc.
“To make Nigeria better, and our religious practices relevant, we, who claim to be religious, must embrace the life of service in the spirit of truth and holiness, and learn to wash the feet of one another”.
