Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, has expressed regrets that 61 years after independence, Nigeria is still grappling with a leadership challenge.
The governor pointed out that because of such leadership failure, Nigeria is now at a point in its history needing God more than ever.
Governor Wike made the assertion at the interdenominational church service organised in commemoration of the 61st Independence Anniversary of Nigeria that was held at the St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
The governor stated that there was hardly anything for Nigerians to celebrate as the country marks its 61st independence anniversary because its leadership continues to entrench hatred, mediocrity, promote ethnicity and religion.
Governor Wike also observed the sorry state of Nigeria and said at 61, it was far removed from being a country that could compete favourably with prosperous countries of the world, given its abundant resources.
The governor bemoaned what has become of the nation’s legislature that continues to approve anything for the presidency and not minding the consequences.
He also decried how the nation’s judiciary has succumbed to intimidation because its judges had abandoned their responsibilities out of fear.
The governor also blamed the woes the country has suffered on all Nigerians who have refused to do the right things, but rather allowed the wrong things to be perpetrated in all facets of the society.
He noted how ascendancy to leadership was no longer by merit, but by ethnic affinity and religious consideration, even when such a person does not have the capacity required to function in such office.
In his sermon, Bishop of the Diocese of Niger Delta-North, Rt. Rev. Wisdom Ihunwo, noted that only foolish people despise God and attribute their successes in life to their personal efforts and ingenuity.
Special prayers were said at the service for God’s favour and grace upon Nigeria and its leaders, Rivers State Executive Council, judiciary and the legislature, Governor Wike and his family, the church and its leaders.
