Cabals, not president, are Nigeria’s problem — Catholic Priest

From Felix Ikem, Nsukka

A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Eneogu Iranaeus Onyeachonam, has stated that Nigeria’s challenges are not entirely attributable to the President but largely to cabals surrounding the office, whom he accused of pursuing self-aggrandizement over national interest.

Fr. Onyeachonam, who is currently at Rome for further studies and was in Nigeria on Easter vacation, made this assertion at Owerre-EzeOrba in Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State.

He spoke during a homily marking the coronation and installation of Lolo Monica Ogbu as the eldest woman (Onyishi) of her village, Umube Umuokara in Orba, also in Udenu Local Government Area, over the weekend.

According to him, many Nigerians are concerned about the prevailing level of negativity in the country, noting that the influence of those he described as ‘cabals’ has done more harm than good to the growth, peace and stability of the nation’s economy.

“I didn’t know anything about cabals until Buhari’s administration. There are some English words which we didn’t hear anything about, like kidnapping and abduction until they became realities to Nigerians and today they are all happening before us. Buhari was the President of Nigeria but cabals were in charge.

“In case you don’t understand what cabals are, they are like other roots that are attached to the taproot of a tree and they determine, and dictate to the taproot what to do.

“Sometimes, they act in good faith, and at other times they act negatively and to the detriment of the citizens. This is why most of the development projects in the country remain uncompleted.

“Cabals are those that are around the President, that tell him what to do and what not to do. Nigeria is today full of negativity and the country has become the more you look, the less you see because of the role of the cabals,” he said.

The cleric further urged the Federal Government to address economic bottlenecks by improving the importation system and decongesting major ports across the country. He advocated the dredging of waterways and the opening up of additional ports to ease pressure on Lagos.

“It is important that the Nigerian government opens up Calabar and Warri Ports and also dredge the River Niger in Onitsha, Anambra State to open up other avenues of bringing imported goods into the country through various points other than Lagos alone.

“When you go to Lagos, the roads are bad, trucks fall every here and then, causing accidents and creating traffic congestion. If these ports are opened, the situation won’t be the same,” he added.

The Catholic priest emphasized that leadership is divinely ordained and comes with the responsibility of selfless service. He urged leaders to demonstrate sincerity, honesty, and courage in the discharge of their duties.

Charging the newly installed Lolo, he said: “You should be ready to suffer like the disciples of Christ. Love in truth irrespective of its consequences. Remember that you have been chosen by God to lead and serve your people, your fellow women as the oldest woman in your village and this calls for responsibility. Don’t allow yourself to be misled by those surrounding you.”

Speaking to newsmen shortly after the ceremony, Lolo Monica Ogbu expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to serve, pledging to carry out her responsibilities diligently. She appealed to the women of Umu-Ube village for cooperation and support.

The centenarian also prayed for peace and unity in Nigeria, urging citizens to shun actions that could undermine the 2027 general elections.

Meanwhile, one of her children, Mr Oliver Ogbu, also known as Ayote, on behalf of the family, thanked God for preserving their mother’s life to witness her coronation. He also appreciated relatives, in-laws, grandchildren and well-wishers for their support during the celebration.

Dignitaries from all walks of life attended the installation of Lolo Monica Ogbu as the eldest woman (Onyishi Umuada) of her village, including Rev. Frs. Uchenna Agu, who represented the Parish Priest of St. James Catholic Church, Owerre-Eze Orba and the officiating priest, Obayi Stan Ekenedilichukwu, among others.