The Diocesan Bishop of the Cathedral Church of St Peter’s, Aremo, in Ibadan, Oyo State, Williams Aladekugbe, has criticised politicians talking about the 2027 general elections now.

He advised politicians to focus on addressing the myriads of challenges facing the country currently.

Mr Aladekugbe said this on Friday during his sermon at the funeral service of the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, held at the Cathedral Church of St Peter, Aremo, Ibadan.

The cleric decried the way Nigerian politicians were focusing on the 2027 general elections instead of on the delivery of good governance.

“It is very disturbing that while our government needed to search and address the myriads of poverty facing our country, some politicians have been talking about 2027. To talk about 2027 now is a disgrace to governance. It is an abuse of the people’s mandate and reckless disregard for the concerns of the people. As far back as less than two years of President Tinubu in office, shameless politicians have been talking about 2027, instead of focusing on delivery of good governance, and now, it is even worse.

“Let me say that any politician bargaining for only one single term is a sign of desperation. It will not work. It is also a sign of desperation when you see leaders in their own rights carrying plates serving food at parties. All these will never work,” Mr Aladekugbe said.

He urged the government to act fast in addressing unemployment, saying the time for mass employment programmes for the teeming population of the nation’s youths cannot be later but now.

The bishop said that the high poverty level in the country could be because of the disconnect between the government and the masses.

“We need effective politicians to do their definite good by concentrating on governance and service to the people,” Mr Aladekugbe said.

He further charged the government to address insecurity issues facing the country.

“It is deeply regrettable that Nigeria has come to be characterised by insecurity, and the life of people is not worth anything again. The rate at which souls are being lost in various parts of our country due to the activities of bandits, herdsmen and other nefarious activities must be a matter of concern to every sane person.

“Whether it is in the North, Middle Belt or the South, killings and waste of innocent lives appear to be one common denominator apart from poverty.

“The primary duty of the government is to protect the citizens. We plead with our government to invest in intelligence gathering and equipment that will enhance security on the activities of these evil men all over our country,” the bishop said.

He, however, said that the church would continue to uphold all levels of government in its prayers.

The cleric equally urged the people to always remember that death was inevitable and do their best to lead a godly life.

He described the late Olubadan as a God-fearing traditional ruler whose life impacted many lives.

Among the dignitaries present at the church were Governor Seyi Makinde, his deputy, Bayo Lawal, members of the Olubadan Advisory Council and the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes.

(NAN)