The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, His Grace, Alfred Adewale-Martins
has counseled the Nigeria media practitioners and the Federal Government (FG) on
advancing the security of the country, just as FG should take control of the
situation, reports ITRealms.
Speaking both at the Holy Mass to celebrate the 2016 World
Communications Day marked May 8, at the Holy Cross Cathedral, Onikan, Lagos and a press
conference thereafter, Archbishop Adewale-Martins admonished media
practitioners in line Pope Fraancis message, using media to be mindful of the
words they use in conveying information to the public, especially in Nigeria.
“Words can build connecting bridges, words can also create
wars” he asserted, saying that the media should also communicate the mercy of
God to the people.
On the recent carnage by Fulani herdsmen in some parts of
the country including Agatu in Benue State and Nimbo in Enugu State, the
Archbishop implored the Federal Government to take control of the situation, advising
that in trying to solve the problem, another problem should not be created.
“The peace and unity of the nation must be protected at all
times. We cannot allow what is good for one side of a nation to
affect what is good for the other side of the nation. Yes of course, we know
that the herdsmen need to have grazing land for their cattle, but at the same
time, people who are settled in their homelands also need their lands to farm
and earn a living,” he warned.
Government, the Archbishop said, must ensure that impunity
is not allowed to go unpunished, insisting that “If there are people who have
attacked others, they should face the wrath of the law.”
He stressed that the needs of the herdsmen should be
addressed as well, suggesting that the solution Government was proposing which
has been frowned upon by the people will only be a source of more problems.
“As in many other countries, ranches should be built by the
Government where they are needed,” he advised, emphasising that with the use of
irrigation method, it would be possible to have grass all the year round in any
part of the country for the purpose of grazing.
Pointing out on the need for adequate communication between
the leaders and the led, saying “our leaders need to communicate a lot more
than they are doing presently.”
Okoli Vincent/GEE
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