World Communications Day 2016: Adewale Martins advises media, FG on security, herdsmen

ITRealms:           

The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, His Grace, Alfred Adewale-Martins has counseled the Nigeria media practitioners and the Federal Government (FG) on advancing the security of the country, just as FG should take control of the situation, reports ITRealms.

Speaking both at the Holy Mass to celebrate the 2016 World Communications Day marked May 8, at the Holy Cross Cathedral, Onikan, Lagos and a press conference thereafter, Archbishop Adewale-Martins admonished media practitioners in line Pope Fraancis message, using media to be mindful of the words they use in conveying information to the public, especially in Nigeria.

“Words can build connecting bridges, words can also create wars” he asserted, saying that the media should also communicate the mercy of God to the people.

On the recent carnage by Fulani herdsmen in some parts of the country including Agatu in Benue State and Nimbo in Enugu State, the Archbishop implored the Federal Government to take control of the situation, advising that in trying to solve the problem, another problem should not be created.

“The peace and unity of the nation must be protected at all times. We cannot allow what is good for one side of a nation to affect what is good for the other side of the nation. Yes of course, we know that the herdsmen need to have grazing land for their cattle, but at the same time, people who are settled in their homelands also need their lands to farm and earn a living,” he warned.

Government, the Archbishop said, must ensure that impunity is not allowed to go unpunished, insisting that “If there are people who have attacked others, they should face the wrath of the law.”

He stressed that the needs of the herdsmen should be addressed as well, suggesting that the solution Government was proposing which has been frowned upon by the people will only be a source of more problems.

“As in many other countries, ranches should be built by the Government where they are needed,” he advised, emphasising that with the use of irrigation method, it would be possible to have grass all the year round in any part of the country for the purpose of grazing.

Pointing out on the need for adequate communication between the leaders and the led, saying “our leaders need to communicate a lot more than they are doing presently.”

Okoli Vincent/GEE

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