How to stem corruption by political office holders – Cleric

Rev-Philip-Adeyemo

A cleric, Rt. Rev. Philip Adeyemo said on Sunday that the adoption of a 6-year single term for elected political office holders will help to reduce corrupt tendencies and strengthen democracy.

Adeyemo, who is the Bishop in-charge of the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Omu-Aran, made the call in his charge delivered to the First Session of the Third Synod in Omu-Aran, Kwara.

The cleric noted that past experience has revealed that most politicians don’t perform to expectation during their second term in office.

“They are more of self than serving the people who voted them into office.

“They allow the fear of unknown to catch them unaware.

“We hereby suggest one term of six years for the president and his vice, the governors and their deputies, senator and legislators,” he said.

Adeyemo stressed the need for discipline, trust, integrity and fear of God among the leaders.

He urged Nigerian politicians to close ranks and put the interest of the nation above other personal interest to achieve the desired change.

“Let there be unity between the executive, judiciary and legislative arms of government, and together they should wage war against corruption to a standstill.

“Let the APC put its house in order: MK 3:23 says “And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand,” he said.

Adeyemo urged the Federal Government to urgently address the food insufficient challenges, poverty, and unemployment confronting the nation.

The man of God also called on the state government to channel resources toward payment of teachers, local government staff and pension arrears of salaries in the state.

The Chairman of the occasion, Dr Mike Omotosho, in a remark, stressed the need for a solid foundation in order to achieve a successive anti-corruption crusade.

“There should be guiding principles, especially the adoption of the four-way test to get it right.

“First is the process truthful, is it fare to all concern, will it build goodwill and better result and lastly will it be beneficial to all concern,” he said.

Omotosho donated 500 books to the church’s school library and also promised to intervene in the renovation of the school for improved academic performance.

The Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Charles Ibitoye, in a goodwill message, solicited for assistance toward completion of the church’s ongoing projects.