The Catholic Archbishop of Benin, His Grace, Augustine Akabueze, has advised politicians to utilize their time toward nation building to enhance economic growth.
The cleric gave the advice on Friday in Benin at the requiem mass for late Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chief Tony Anenih.
Akubueze said the failure of leaders in utilizing their time in pursuing national growth was responsible for the economic backwardness currently being witnessed.
He commended the late Anenih for utilizing his time on earth to impact positively on many lives, pointing out that the crème de la crème of personalities that attended the requiem mass in his honour were enough proof.
He also advised the political leaders to change the melody in Nigeria and sing a new song.
He called on the electorate to elect only competent people to rule the country with fairness, truthfulness and justice.
He appealed to all to submit to God and let God rule, while urging the political class to ensure the country was made comfortable for all, irrespective of religious belief and ethnicity.
The archbishop called on Nigerians to stand up for what they believed, saying the late Anenih always stood for justice and what he believed was stable.
Akubueze, who drew his sermon from John 6:51-58, said there was an urgent need for all to be close to their creator.
He urged politicians to remember that there were Nigerians before becoming politicians and appealed to them to refrain from dangerous campaigns and character assassinations.
“Do not instigate any group against another as election should not be seen as war.”
He also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that every vote counted.
The cleric also advised religious leaders to tone down on hate speech.
