Refrain From Falsehood, Barefaced Lies- Catholic Priest Advises Leaders

As Christians are marking Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, a Nigerian Catholic priest has enjoined Nigerian political leaders to refrain from using falsehood and barefaced lies to govern their subjects.

Rev. Fr. Thomas Ebong, the Director of Media Communication Department, Ikot Ekpene Diocese of Catholic Church, said “The leaders should worship God in sincerity and in truth and show good example in deeds and in action. They should be honest in their dealings. Once the government releases money to them for the development of their communities, they should plough the money into that purpose instead of diverting it for selfish interest.

Ebong who is also the Dean of Nto Edino Deanery of Catholic Church, Obot Akara in Akwa Ibom State speaking on Wednesday in an interview with Straightnews reporter, noted, “They should not use the money to patronise their cronies. Rather, they should use the money judiciously instead of squandering it. They should know that every elective position comes with responsibility instead of inflicting the masses with more pains.”

“Many of our people are irresponsible; many are dishonourable. They want power or glory at all cost not the responsibility that goes with the position. We are so sentimental, thriving on religious and ethnic divides. From the religious angle, we are insincere and narrow-minded. As propagators of the ethnicity, we are petty such we could betray our brothers due to greed. We can betray and sell our brothers for money like the sons of Jacob in the Bible did to Joseph.

He said “Our Christians in the Southern part of Nigeria are insensitive to the killings in the Northern Nigeria. Until you see videos how Boko Haram insurgents used to kill children, the elderly and the pregnant, you will not know what brethren are passing through in those areas.”

“We should identify with the plights of other Nigerians so that we can forge ahead a strong and united country. We should always pray for them and should send any form of assistance to them.”

According to him, “Lent is a call to repentance and a reminder that all of us are going to die. Once ash is rubbed on your forehead it signifies that one day you will die. People are dust and unto dust will they return. Lent started 350 years after the death of Jesus Christ. It was always three days made up 200 years that culminated in the resurrection of Jesus from death.

“But 350 years after, Roman Catholic Church kept 40 days period, which is a long enough for people to repent and to be re-united with God, and be renewed spiritually.”

“Lent is observed 40 days to Easter. Biblically, 40 is significant in that Noah built an ark for 40 days; Israel spent 40 days in the desert before being allowed into the Promised Land; Jesus Christ fasted for 40 days and 40 nights; Elijah journeyed into the desert for 40 days and 40 nights. Moses stayed in Mount Sinai 40 days and 40 nights for Ten Commandments.

“For five weeks, we will observe the Lent period. And the sixth week is Palm Sunday which enter the Holy Week. On the Easter Sunday, we count 50 days which mark Pentecost Sunday. The tradition dates back to 350 years after the death of Jesus Christ,” the clergyman narrated.

Ebong noted “Lent is a call reminding people to depend on God who created man in His likeness until the fall of man. In God’s love, the sacraments through the church are observed to purify and bring man closer to God. Like today, our members have started fasting. Every Friday is set aside as abstinence from meat. To some people in our state, abstinence from meat does not make meaning after all they stay up to two months without eating meat or even without observing penance because others could not afford crayfish. It is not only about abstinence but also about saving the money for use as a form of sacrifice.

“At the end of Lent, the money is handed over to the church, which in turn sends the money to Jerusalem in Israel or Rome to cater for the less privileged mainly the poor.  Members who want to partake in baptism equally undergo lectern period. It is period to be show absolute discipline and offer sacrifice as a mark of serving God.”