Speak the Truth to Save Nigeria-Bishop Uzoukwu

The Catholic Bishop of Minna Diocese, Most Revd. Martin Uzoukwu, on Sunday told politicians and media practitioners in the country to stand on the side of truth to save Nigeria from its current situation.

While making the call, the Bishop as part of activities to mark the 55th Catholic World Communication Day at the St. Michael Catholic Cathedral Church, Minna said “whatever we do, we will be accountable to God”.

Bishop Uzoukwu while speaking on this year’s theme “Come and see” at a media lunch/interactive session with journalists in Niger state, said the country needs the truth to survive.

He said, “We encourage our politicians to always speak the truth. What the country is going through now will soon come to an end. Nigerians must speak the truth because it is only the truth that can salvage the situation we have found ourselves in this country”.

“I want the media to adhere to the tenets of the profession by standing on the side of truth. You must shelve the bad and ugly side even though the truth is bitter. Say the right thing and speak to your conscience”.

Also in a related event in Osogbo, the Catholic Bishop of Osogbo Diocese, Most Rev John Oyejola, has described Nigerian journalists as heroes and saints who risk their lives daily in the course of discharging their duties for the development of the nation.

Oyejola, who spoke while rendering his homily at a thanksgiving mass to mark the day at St Benedict Cathedral, Osogbo, charged media practitioners to always ensure they verify all information before dissemination, adding that without communication, the world would be chaotic.

He said: “World Day of Communications is a day to celebrate media men and women. Communication is the live wire of human existence. Without communications, the world will be chaotic.

“Journalists are our heroes; they deserve respect and commendation in very special ways. They are our heroes and saints. Social Communicators are also appreciated. I want to urge you all (journalists) to be actively involved in your profession by trying to move beyond the complacent manner and meet the people to feel their pulse before reporting.

Open your eyes to what you see, your hands must touch the vitality of things and you must ensure that you report only the truth.”

(SOURCE: CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE OF NIGERIA)