By Chris Onuoha

lagos—CATHOLIC Archbishop of the Lagos Metropolis, Dr Alfred Adewale Martins has called on the Federal Government to be proactive with measures that will cushion the effects of the current economic crises in the country, saying that Nigerians are beginning to lose faith in government.

The cleric disclosed this,  weekend, at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, Iba Estate, Ojo, Lagos, during his pastoral visit to the area where he administered the Sacrament of Confirmation within Isolo Catholic Deanery.

Archbishop Martins, who expressed dismay at the state of the nation’s economy said: “The challenges facing Nigeria for now are many and diverse. There is insecurity, economic downturn and others. You don’t feel safe on the road, even on the highways any more, because of marauding herdsmen and oil pipeline vandals that burst onto the streets and villages to kidnap and kill people. That is a big challenge we must not overlook.”

“I am also sure that it is a symptom of a bigger challenge to the nation’s economy causing the recession at this point in time. Some people are also going into crime because of the recession.  It is also clear that with the problem of the state of infrastructure, lack of adequate basic social amenities, coupled with the difficulty of daily life, people are beginning to lose faith and confidence in the nation.

“Consequently, the structure that put the federal government at a position, where nobody can move unless they move, is not good for the nation. I believe that we have a structure in this country that makes it almost impossible for the entire nation to grow and make every state have the feel of a sense of belonging.

We must not relent but continue to challenge those in leadership positions to listen to the people and restructure the entire system of governance, regards to economic principles and planning to better the lives of demoralized masses.

“However, it is necessary to tell people or even remind ourselves that whatever the case might be, things don’t last forever.  God has done so much for Nigeria over the years and we should be thankful and grateful for that. We should not lose hope in the nation Nigeria.”