Cleric wants FG to repair refineries before removing fuel subsidy

 
The Bishop of Abeokuta Archdiocese, Martins Adewale, on Sunday, advised the Federal Government to repair the country's refineries before implementing its decision to remove the fuel subsidy.

Adewale gave the advice at the 25th anniversary of the successful preservation of the remains of Blessed Iwene Tansi at the Holy Family Catholic Church, Festac Town, Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Iwene Tansi was a Nigerian Roman Catholic priest, who was beatified by the late Pope John Paul II on March 22, 1998 for his works.

The pope said of him: ``Blessed Cyprian Michael Tansi is a prime example of the fruits of holiness which have grown and matured in the church in Nigeria since the Gospel was first preached in this land.''

Adewale urged the government to use funds realised from the removal of the subsidy to build needed infrastructure, such as good health-care facilities, good roads, electricity and a good education system.

“We are aware that the Federal Government wants to remove the subsidy on fuel, but they should make sure that they augment it with other infrastructure.

“God is calling on those he gave responsibilities to take care of the citizens; any leader God placed in charge and he is not taking care of its citizen's leads to disobeying God,” he said.

The bishop urged Nigerians to continuously pray for God's intervention in the security and development challenges facing the country.

He urged Christian faithful to show sympathy and empathy for others.

``This is the outstanding hallmark of our Lord Jesus Christ, which enabled him to relate with all.''

(NAN)