By IfeyiNwa Obi

Irked by the ravaging insurgency that has led to massive loss of lives and property, especially in the north-eastern region of the country, clerics under the aegis of the Nigerian Catholic Diocesan Priests’ Association (NCDPA), have called on members of the Islamist sect, Boko Haram to embrace the path of peace and consider the offer for dialogue by the Federal Government.

In a communique themed: “The Priest and the Law,” jointly signed by NCDPA President, Very Rev. Fr. (Dr.) Martin Onukwuba and the Secretary, Rev. Fr. Joseph Aladejana, after its 27th Annual General Meeting, at the Bishop Anthony Nwedo Pastoral Centre (BANPAC), Umuahia, Abia State, the group expressed worry that the activities of the sect has brought the country to its knees in terms of development in almost all the facet of national life.

It said: “Our country has been brought to its knees in terms of development in almost all the facets of our national life. This is as a result of the activities of the Islamic sect, the Boko Haram and its insurgency especially in the North East. We condemn in totality the activities of this sect, which has resulted in the killings of innocent people, destruction of public and private facilities, churches and mosques.

“We join other people of good will to sympathise with the families of the over 200 abducted Chibok school girls in Borno State by the Boko Haram sect. Even as we continue to pray for their release, we call on members of this sect to consider the offer of the Federal Government for dialogue so that our land may enjoy peace once again.”

Expressing commitment to the civic responsibility of being law abiding citizens of the country, the priests, however, decried the wanton impunity and recklessness of political office holders, who are treated as sacred cows.

The clerics added, “On democracy and the rule of law, we understand that in law, there are no sacred cows and every citizen has the right to be treated equally with all other citizens before the law.”