The archbishop of Abuja Archdiocese, Ignatius Kaigama, has challenged leaders and followers to shun vices and uphold virtues to build a new Nigeria desired by all.

In an Easter message on Sunday, Mr Kaigama said Easter was a time of renewal, rebirth, and hope.

“For us citizens of our beloved country, Easter is also a time to increase our commitment and vigour in confronting our challenges and difficulties, from insecurity and corruption to poverty and unemployment.

“These challenges have made it difficult to feel hopeful and optimistic about the present, never mention even the future,” he said.

The cleric likened the stories of Boko Haram, banditry, the threat of violence and terrorism to the terrible events of Good Friday, which occurred over two thousand years ago.

According to the archbishop, with virtues, Nigerians can reclaim their country and make it a better place.

“We must not allow ourselves to be divided by ethnicity, religion or political affiliation; corruption continues to remain an obstacle to development in our country.

“For that national rebirth we all long for to take place, we must hold our leaders accountable for their actions, demand transparency in all acts of governance, and demand a drastic cut in the cost of governance,” he said.

Mr Kaigama said Nigeria needed leaders who could serve and lead without preferential treatment of groups or individuals to the detriment of others under their care.

“Our leaders must have a living, not a dead conscience, whereby public funds are taken and misapplied, and costs of government businesses inflated for selfish gains.

“Nigerians need leaders who supervise the recruitment, employment, appointment, promotion of citizens or admission into important institutions based on merit and not on ethnic, religious grounds or selfish geopolitical considerations.

“Some of our leaders feel above the law, giving credence to the saying that laws are like spiders’ webs, where the poor and the weak get caught, but the rich and powerful easily break through them.

“Our leaders must not use their powers and economic advantage to become laws unto themselves. They should remember that the Supreme Judge (God) is watching and will judge their actions,” he said. 

(NAN)