The New Nigeria Peoples Party has urged Nigerian leaders to learn from how the Catholic Pontiff, Pope Francis, dedicated his life to the poor.

NNPP founder and chairman of the Board of Trustees, Boniface Aniebonam, stated this in his message, mourning the late pope.

Mr Aniebonam said that leaders in Nigeria across divides must come together to close the wide gap between the rich and the poor.

He said the abject poverty in the country must be taken seriously by all, not just political leaders but all well-meaning Nigerians.

He stated, “We must begin to have a rethink on humanity and how far we have neglected the have-nots among us. No doubt, some Nigerians are trying but the economic challenges cannot be left to the government alone. All over the world, people assist their governments in trying times. The criminalities emerging from our challenges are such that continued nonchalance from those who have may be their undoing. The trend I see is so scary. We must learn to help others genuinely and not turn the other way amid hunger.’’

Mr Aniebonam warned the rich against unnecessary exhibition of wealth in public, which he blamed for some of the crimes by the poor, who wanted to be part of the fray at all costs.

“Nigeria cannot be facing economic challenges, yet we see videos on the internet showing off stupendous wealth, money spraying and lavishness. All these affect the psyche of the poor. The gap must be brought closer to enable the rich to continue to live peacefully in the country,” he added.

Mr Aniebonam, who commiserated with the Catholic Church on the death of the pope, urged leaders not to only exalt him by words but to emulate his legacies of compassion. 

(NAN)