Pastor Chima Echefu has urged religious leaders to refrain from making inciting and provocative utterances as most parts of the country battled insecurity.
Echefu, who is the General Overseer, Heaven’s Gate Assembly, Owerri, Imo, said this in a statement on Saturday.
He urged religious leaders in troubled parts of the country to guard their utterances so as to avoid worsening the security situation of the country.
He advised them to eschew prejudice and bias irrespective of their political inclinations and throw their weight behind government at all levels in the interest of national peace.
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“As spiritual leaders we have a duty to speak out when things go wrong in the society, just as prophets of old did, whom we emulate in our daily lives.
“We are charged as spiritual directors to refrain from utterances capable of inciting citizens against those in position of authority.
“Instead, we have the onerous duty of praying and interceding for those in government,” he said.
Echefu further spoke against the backdrop of “divisive comments from some religious leaders in the face of obvious security challenges” and urged them to build the country up rather than tear it down.
He commended Imo governor, Mr Hope Uzodinma for “his personal sacrifices in the fight against violence and banditry” in the state, noting that leaders like he needed all the support they could get to achieve their people-friendly policies.
“By virtue of our position in the church, high level information is obliged to us, most especially in confessions.
“I think it is wise to make proper call devoid of bias, politics and prejudices.
“As good shepherds, let’s guide the sheep aright,” he said. (NAN)
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