2023: Catholic church says Ukraine’s Zelenskiy model for president

The Catholic Church in Nigeria has put up Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a model for future Nigerian president.

Archbishop Augustine Akubeze, the president of the Catholic Church Bishops Conference of Nigeria, said this while declaring the convention open.

Akubeze urges Nigerians to vote a competent leader as president in 2023 and cites the exemplary patriotism of Zelenskiy as he leads his country’s defence against Russian invaders.

“We are yet to find leaders, who are prepared to die for our nation”, he said, citing late Chadian President Idriss Deby and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, whom he says “is courageously leading his people and stoutly defending the territorial integrity of his nation by an invading hostile power.”

“We cannot run away from the fact that very often, people get the kind of government they deserve. Yes, this is true. The numbers of Nigerians who vote are very few.

“For those who do not vote, they have already voted by allowing a few to determine the future of the majority.

“The argument that INEC or other agents may not make our votes count is no longer acceptable. We must exercise our right to vote and then speak to protect our votes.

“We call on all Nigerians to get their Permanent Voters’ Card, and get ready to vote according to their personal conviction of who is capable of leading Nigeria or the state to a better life.

“Vote for those who can ensure the security of life and property. Vote for those who have shown that they have the capacity to unite us as a people.

“Vote for people who possess the capacity to make Nigeria into an industrial hub for Africa. Vote for people who can make Nigeria a land of opportunity for all. Vote for people who can make our dreams come to life. Nigerians must resist the temptation of falling into a divisive political campaign, ” Akabueze also said.

Similarly, Kanu Agabi, former attorney-general, said Nigerians “must stop appointing unqualified people into high offices.”