By CHIDI nkwopara
The Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev. Dr. Anthony J.V. Obinna, has expressed regret that Nigerians were gradually institutionalizing the heritage of violence in the land.

Archbishop Obinna, who was reacting to the continuing spate of violence in Jos and other parts of the Northern states, was equally irked by the attendant loss of precious lives and property in the process.

“We have institutionalized in our land a good dose of violence, which is now reinforced by modern science and technology. Nigeria is a theatre where both religious aggression, secular aggression and political aggression are having their meeting ground,” Obinna said.

He said what was happening in Jos was part of the global play of violence that had invaded the land, stressing that “until Nigerians are re-oriented religiously and humanely to respect and appreciate every human being and think of the welfare of every individual, this kind of thing may yet escalate.”

Describing 2011 as “a dangerous year”, Archbishop Obinna reasoned that “since politics provides the fuel for further violence and since money, the mammon that is worshipped, is at the centre of politics, violence will continue”.

The fiery Catholic cleric regretted that his name was periodically used for dubious and diabolic intent and particularly mentioned the allegation that he wants Governor Ikedi Ohakim to sack his Deputy, Dr. Ada Okwuonu.

“There is this profiteering game for politicians and some media outfits that sell their papers if my name is there. So, my name is sellable because I try to maintain some credibility and integrity for myself,” Obinna said.