The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, has defended President Muhammadu Buhari’s recent appointments, saying the President’s choices were in order.
He said he disagreed with some people who viewed the recent appointments as being lopsided.
The cleric, who stated this on Sunday at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral, Awka, the Anambra State capital, maintained that Buhari should be given the benefit of doubt until he makes all his appointments.
“Every leader is at liberty to choose those who will work closely with him. The President at this level of appointments has not offended anybody.
“He ought to have that conducive environment to operate; and one sure way to do that is by appointing those he is comfortable with,” the bishop said.
The cleric, however, appealed to the President to be fair in his next appointments.
He said, “Nigeria is a diverse country and needs the inputs of all its ethnic and religious makeup to succeed.
“Let’s give him the benefit of doubt that he will balance the appointments with his ministerial appointments.”
“I will appeal to Mr. President to uphold the principles of federal character in future appointments. No pluralistic society can survive with lopsidedness in appointments.”
The cleric advised Igbo politicians to pursue a cause that would benefit the generality of the people and not promote selfish interests.
“Avoid pursuing individual honours and work for the greater good of the people. The people of the South-East should go beyond political appointments and individual pursuits and focused more on collective welfare of the people,” he said
The cleric also advised politicians to focus on the interest of their people rather than seeing their elections as an avenue to enrich themselves to the detriment of their people.
He said, “Whether you are a senator, House of Representative member or even a minister, you are there to serve the people and not to enrich yourself and immediate families.”
