Osinbajo reiterates FG’s commitment to fighting corruption; as Wike advises churches to stop endorsing politicians

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has pledged to work with   the Catholic Church to enhance the development of Rivers State.

This is even as Vice President Yemi Osinbajo stated that the Muhammadu Buhari-administration remains focused on the fight against corruption, maintaining that ‘the survival of the nation depends on it.’

Speaking during the Second Plenary of the Catholic Bishop Conference of Nigeria in Port Harcourt, Sunday, Governor Wike said that his administration has started the revival of the state, stressing that the support of the Church is required for greater success to be attained .

He noted that he would assist the Catholic Church in reviving its missionary schools and making them centres of excellence as started by former Governor Peter Odili.

While urging the church to always pray for his administration to deliver on its promises, Governor Wike praised the Catholic Church for always providing a non partisan platform for all politicians to promote their candidacy.

He advised other churches to emulate the Catholic Church by shunning the attitude of endorsing candidates.

“I like to use this opportunity to advise other Church leaders to emulate the Catholic Church by refusing to be drawn into the practice of endorsing candidates during elections,”

Prof Osinbajo who spoke as a representative of President Muhammadu Buhari said that ‘unless Nigeria kills corruption, corruption will kill the country. ‘

“Our fight against corruption is not just a moral battle for virtue and righteousness in our land, it is a fight for the soul and substance of our nation “, the Vice President said.

He said corruption has become so endemic in Nigeria that it constitutes a parallel system that negates development.

On his part, President of the Catholic Bishop Conference of Nigeria, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama urged the Federal Government to be steadfast in its fight against corruption.

The Conference was attended by Catholic Bishops from all the States of the Federation.