Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama, the Catholic Archbishop of Jos, on Tuesday said the ongoing war against corruption initiated by President Mohammadu Buhari remained crucial to the development of the country.

Kaigama, who is the President, Catholic Bishop’s Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), said this in an interview with newsmen in Jos. The cleric said the“ hydra-headed virus called corruption’’ had done a lot of harm to the country and messed up the lives of most Nigerians.

According to Kaigama, the church has thrown its weight behind the fight against corruption, and anyone found guilty should be brought to the “altar’’ of justice. “Corruption has done us very deadly harm as a nation, and has messed up the lives of most Nigerians.

“The President must win the war against corruption just as he is doing with terrorism. “This can only be, if we all vow to be corruption-free and those who have illegally enriched themselves in the past, make comprehensive restitution.

“Every corrupt Nigerian, no matter how high or influential, and no matter how long the act was perpetrated, should be brought to justice. “We support this current wave against this deadly disease, because it will no doubt be a deterrent to those contemplating to corruptly enrich themselves,’’ Kaigama said.

The cleric admonished Catholics and indeed all Nigerians to desist from indulging in corrupt acts, as such would only lead to retrogression as against the absolute yarn for progress.

He further urged public office holders to serve with integrity and selflessness and thrive for the growth and development of the country. “I look forward to my usual interaction with Catholics in high positions in government, to discuss with them on how they can serve with integrity and selflessness,’’ he added.