Posted by Nigeria can only be altered one way, according to Most Rev. Peter Odetoyinbo, the Catholic Bishop of Abeokuta Diocese in Ogun State.
In his Christmas message from 2023, headlined “Let the Joy of Christ’s Birth reignite our Hope,” Odetoyinbo urged Nigerians to first modify their views if they wanted a better country.
For Nigeria to be a better place for everyone, he claimed, every heart must adopt a better attitude and way of life in the New Year.
The Bishop asserted that “new orientation and attitudinal transformation must accompany a new Nigeria if we wish one.”
He argued that until the populace takes the initiative to transform themselves first, Nigeria will not change.
According to the cleric, if “every one of us resolves to embrace a change of mentality in the new year,” problems with kidnapping, vote buying, bribery, ballot box snatching, insurrection, forgeries, banditry, robbery, and other related vices would disappear.
Odetoyinbo asked both the voters and the political class to adjust their perspectives as the country gears up for the general elections of 2023. He urged Nigerians to reject any and all vote-buying and reward schemes “by politicians who have transformed our willpower to merchandise!”
“Never exchange your vote for money! Let’s work together to save Nigeria by choosing trustworthy leaders who will stop the situation from growing worse. There is a matching obligation, not only a wish for the happiness of a new Nigeria,” he said.
According to the man of God, the desired future can only be realized if voters go to the polls ready to support the politicians they think will bring democracy’s benefits to their communities.
He said, “We must therefore cast off the darkness of the night and embrace the new light of the day through the renewing power of the birth of Jesus.” He then advised Nigerians to go get their permanent voters’ cards and vote intelligently in the general elections of 2023.
He emphasized the second coming of Christ while Christians celebrated Christmas and concluded by urging them to “share this season and always” with one another.