A call has gone to Faith Based Organisations (FBOs) to go beyond esoteric teachings in their preaching and embrace more realistic content designed to promote decency and better behaviour.
Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, who stated this at a Workshop on Good Governance organised by the Nasrul-Lahi-L-Faith Society (NASFAT), called for a new attitude towards solving the myriad of challenges besetting the nation.
According to him, a fundamental problem with the nation is the issue of failed parenting, which poses challenges to the emerging breed of Nigerians.
Urging FBOs to also call on their members to actively engage in politics, the Deputy Governor opined that religion does not bar anyone from being a politician but they should be good role models to others and allow their principles and conviction to guide and drive what they do in government.
His words: “If they stay away, they have no moral justification to complain about governance. Nigeria should prioritise competence in every facet of our national life because merit is very important. As a people, we should not ignore merit and lower our standards. Neither should our system encourage indolence and relegate hard work”.
While stressing the need for citizens to be united to solve our problems rather than fighting each other, Dr. Hamzat observed that the era of fighting government and becoming a hero as in the days of colonial rule is long gone.
He said Nigerians should stop gratifying violence and wrongdoings, imploring FBOs to use their platforms to engage in rebuilding the moral fabric of our nation.
Also speaking at the workshop, former Governor of Kano State, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, stated that good governance requires government introducing and implementing policies and programmes that are people-oriented and guarantee easy access of citizens to food.
While stating that the essence of governance is to serve humanity, the former Governor urged the government to embrace love for the people founded on honesty, sincerity of purpose, truth and good conscience. He listed the principles of good governance to include, accountability, open participation, political stability, Rule of Law and effective governance.
Shekarau said the war on corruption should be given the pride of place in society, adding that unless the government eliminates corruption, it will not be able to establish good governance.
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