Nigerians have been urged to take caution against taking for granted the debilitating effects of the pharmaceutical and social viruses that have eaten deep into the fabrics of the nation in an effort to survive the impending consequences.
Giving the warning on Thursday was the Supreme Head, C& S Unification Church Worldwide, His Most Eminence, Prophet Solomon Alao, during the 2021 Annual General Conference themed, ‘Heal our land,’ held at the Solution Cherubim and Seraphim Ministry, Chosen Generation, Ibadan, Oyo State.
His Most Eminence, Prophet Solomon Alao, addressing Press Conference
Alao, who stated that the year 2020 was described by many as ‘year of horror,’ said that in Nigeria particularly, mortality rate could have been lower than the number recorded, lamenting as well that the social viruses of banditry, religious intolerance, ethnic loyalty etc. in the land had also resulted in avoidable deaths and throes of horror.
He said, “Over 1million lives had been lost to the pandemic with Nigeria accounting for over 1,400. I believe that Nigeria mortality rate would not have reached this figure if we had fully observed all the protocols to confront the virus. I urge all not to let loose their guards because it is not yet over. Unfortunately, the second wave of COVID-19 caught the nation in more devastating form, ill prepared because of our usual ways of not being proactive.
“There are other viruses that are more deadly in our country. The medical virus is only a minute minute proportion of the other non-pharmaceutical viruses that we urgently need to find immediate cures. Some of the viruses are already cancerous.
“The cancerous viruses are insensitivity of our political leaders and constructive criticisms; corruption which is sticking to high heavens; insecurity; religious bigotry and disobedience to constitution which clearly defines Nigeria as a secular state.
“What is the business of government dictating to me what God or gods I worship? What is the business of government in promoting religious beliefs by getting involved in wasting public funds on pilgrimages to Saudi Arabia or Israel when majority of the people are hungry, jobless and when our roads are in terrible condition?
“Again in a secular state why should i be a crime if my neighbour is taking his meal in broad daylight in front of his house when I am fasting? Why should it be my duty to fight for God if anyone in his conduct seemingly shows disrespect to God and His revered servants?”
He urged the Nigerian leaders to engage in self daily assessment by gauging public opinion against their conducts, saying, “The various viruses which I referred to above are non pharmaceutical – Boko Haram has now overwhelmed our security apparatus.
Our leaders at all tiers of governance would be better informed to assess themselves if each of them would personally, on a daily basis, procedure one newspaper that is always critical of their administration and the other that is a praise singing newspaper.
“The security situation is assuming a wider dimension with the addition of farmers/herdsmen incessant conflicts resulting in avoidable loss of lives of citizens. Anti open grazing law in some states were sidelined by the herdsmen with impunity.”
On the way forward from the complexities, the Host, Prophet Gideon Owoseni, said, “For us as a nation, solution lies in being true to ourselves. But sadly, the truth is lost in every sphere of our lives, including the church and the mosque.
“We abuse President Muhammadu Buhari and late General Sanni Abacha but we all have our faults because we are insincere in our activities and as citizens of this country. Truth is lost in the church as well as mosques. People are being extorted. You get to market and honey is mixed with engine oil, yam flour is mixed with cassava flour just in a bid to make money. Where is truth?”
