By GILBERT EKEZIE
Considering the increasing cases of insecurity, murders and poor economic situation in the country, the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, His Grace, Msgr. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins has renewed the call of the Catholic Bishops Conference for President Muhammadu Buhari to step down as he could not be able to secure Nigerians and provide necessary infrastructure which would affect the lives of Nigerians.
He made the call during the blessing and commissioning of Lumen Christi TV, Retreat and Media Center in Osapa. Lekki, Lagos State..
Martins said Nigeria is almost in a state of war and that is no longer tolerable.
He said the issue of insecurity was before the current administration but regretted that the Buhari government was able to win the elections because of the promises it had made that insecurity would be a thing of the past, but did not not kept its promises.
“The current administration was able to win the elections thanks to its promises. Unfortunately this is not the case now. In fact, we feel much less secure now than before. We are now in a country where we see bandits attacking military formations that have weapons and ammunition, they attack them with such audacity. An airport supposed to be a heightened security zone is also attacked. Our country is almost like in a state of war. It’s a mess and a situation that’s spiraling out of control.
Martins also observed that the Nigerian government is not doing well enough at all, so it always needs to be challenged. “The Catholic Bishops Conference at noon called on Buhari to resign if he is unable to assume the responsibilities of leading the nation and protecting the lives of Nigerians. not enough at all and we will continue to challenge them.
The Archbishop indicated that as politicians prepare for the 2023 elections, Nigerians must listen very carefully to what they say about securing the nation. and should ask them about particular things they need to do, so that the same old story and empty promises don’t continue to be heard. “We need elections, so I can’t say they shouldn’t happen, but our people prepare adequately to make sure they listen to everything people say and then get their voter card and vote with a clear conscience, not according to the money that people give them or any other incentive.
He explained that the Lumen Christi TV Retreat and Media Center is not just for the Catholic Church and its members, but a project whose benefits would go far and wide. catch your breath, think and reflect and reconnect with God, who would also be available to anyone who wants to use it for this purpose.
Founder and Chairman of Lumen Christi Television Network, Mr. Soji Olagunju, said the center is for the spread of the gospel and purely Catholic television, as opposed to circular channels.
He informed that the television is dedicated to Christ, for the proclamation of the gospel from the point of view of the Catholic Church. “We live stream daily Mass, including Sundays. I never thought of it, it was divine instruction that it had to be done. In fact, it took me about five years to come to the reality of considering doing something like this. It is not a business, but for the spreading of the gospel and the propagation of the Catholic faith, which is the mother church.
Olagunju explained that the retreat and media center has floors and is equipped with around 76 fully air-conditioned rooms for meetings, seminars, conferences, etc. for individuals, families and groups. “The media center has facilities to train people in mass communication and drama. We are partnered with St. Augustine University and offer certificate and diploma courses.
The National Director of Social Communication for the Catholic Church, the Very Reverend Father Micheal Umoh, said the aim of the retreat center is to encourage spirituality and bring people closer to God, while the media center aims to provide people with the necessary skills in cinematography, graphic design, editing and many more.
The event was graced by priests, religious leaders and dignitaries from near and far, including the former Director of Social Communication for the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos. Monsignor Gabriel Osu.
