Knights demand realistic anti-corruption campaign

Knights in the Anglican Diocese of Owerri have implored the Federal Government to be more pragmatic in its anti-corruption crusade, insisting that no “sacred cows” should be shielded because of party, ethnic or religious affiliation.
The Knights, who rose from their 2017 Annual General Council meeting at CATOL, Owerri, recently, also viewed with great concern the negligence of important aspects of the constitution, calling for respect for freedom of speech, religion and association as enshrined in the constitution.

In their communiqué after the meeting, the Knights condemned killings of Christians by the so-called herdsmen in Southern Kaduna, Enugu, Anambra, Abia and Benue states and urged the government to prosecute the offenders.

The council called on the government to put more efforts to relieve the citizens of the nation of poverty, hunger, disease and unemployment, while also maintaining federal character to avoid cries of maginalisation.

While recognising agriculture as important in revenue generation, the council advocated government involvement in provision of land, loans and machinery to encourage people.

The Knights frowned at what they termed insensitivity of the Imo State government to the payment of pensions and gratuities but, however, commended the government's free education programme, adding that the government should not neglect the welfare of the citizens in the pursuit of economic interests.

The council condemned kidnapping which they stated, was still prevalent in Imo State and urged complete eradication of the menace in the state.

The meeting, which was attended by more than 523 members, had the theme “You are light of the world”, upon which the communiqué enjoined every Christian to be light bearers and examples of righteousness in their homes, offices, business environments and communities, “serving God with their time, talents and treasure”.

It featured admonitions by Bishop of Owerri, Rt Rev Cyril Okorocha PhD, a keynote address on the Christian as light bearers in today's Nigeria by Rt Rev Alex Ibezim PhD, Bishop of Awka, and a lecture on agricultural empowerment by Sir Nnadozie Udensi.