Onaiyekan: War isn’t a way to fight for justice — dialogue is important

John Onaiyekan, former Catholic archbishop of Abuja, has called for dialogue to address the country’s challenges.

He spoke on Thursday at an interactive session organised by the Catholic action and Catholic political stakeholders in Abuja.

According to NAN, the bishop called for active involvement of all Nigerians in politics, adding that the issues revolving around injustice can be addressed through dialogue, rather than war.

“You do not win wars because you are right. War is not a way to fight for justice. It is always a possibility to discuss it. Dialogue is very important. A lot of our issues can be solved by talking,” Onaiyekan said.

“We are all complaining that the government is not doing enough. Of course government can fail if the foundation is not strong. We do not have to continue that way; we can improve. That is why we are meeting, so we can do things as it should be done.

“If you are not involved in politics and do not care about how you’re being ruled, that means you are not responsible. It means that it is your right to be involved in the way your country is ruled.

“It is your duty, because you have to contribute your quota, whether by advice, by obeying laws, by criticising bad laws, etc. That is where we talk about the right of every citizen to participate in government. We are not saying every citizen must end up in the national assembly. But wherever you are, it is your right. Which is why when we criticise government, we are using our right.”

On his part, Phillip Shaibu, deputy governor of Edo, urged Nigerian youths to shun religious fanaticism and tribalism that will be detrimental to the growth of the country.

“Our doctrines are key to resolving the issues we are facing in the country. If we can be quality Catholics, we will affect more lives and change a lot of things,” he said.

“I am very convinced that Nigeria will remain indivisible. God has a purpose for this country and nobody or group can derail that destiny. What we need to do is to listen to the voice of God when He speaks to us and do those things that are necessary.”