By DAVID ADEOYE

The Diocesan Bishop of the Cathedral Church of St. Peters, Aremo in Ibadan, Most Rev. Williams Aladekugbe, has criticized politicians talking about the 2027 general elections now.

He advised them to rather focus on addressing the myriad of challenges facing the country currently.

Aladekugbe said this on Friday during his sermon at the funeral service of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the Olubadan of Ibadan, held at the Cathedral Church of St. Peters, Aremo, Ibadan.

The cleric decried the way Nigerian politicians were focusing on the 2027 general elections instead of focusing on the delivery of good governance.

?It is very disturbing that while our government needed to search and address the myriad of poverty facing our country, some politicians have been talking about 2027.

?To talk about 2027 now is a disgrace to governance. It is an abuse of the people?s mandate and reckless disregard for the concerns of the people.

?As far back as less than two years of President Tinubu in office, shameless politicians have been talking about 2027, instead of focusing on delivery of good governance, and now, it is even worse.

?Let me say that any politician bargaining for only one single term is a sign of desperation. It will not work.

?It is also a sign of desperation when you see leaders in their own rights, carrying plates serving food at parties. All these will never work,? Aladekugbe said.

He urged government to act fast in addressing unemployment, saying the time for mass employment programmes for the teeming population of our youth cannot be later but now.

The bishop said that the high poverty level in the country could be as a result of the disconnect between government and the masses.

?We need effective politicians to do their definite good by concentrating on governance and service to the people,? Aladekugbe said.

He further charged government to address insecurity issues facing the country.

?It is deeply regrettable that Nigeria has come to be characterized by insecurity and the life of people is not worth anything again.

?The rate at which souls are been lost in various parts of our country due to the activities of bandits, herdsmen and other nefarious activities must be a matter of concern to every sane person.

?Whether it is in the North, Middle belt or the South, killings and waste of innocent lives appear to be one common denominator apart from poverty.

?The primary duty of government is to protect the citizens.

?We plead with our government to invest in intelligence gathering and equipment that will enhance security on the activities of these evil men all over our country,? the bishop said.

He, however, said that the Church shall continue to uphold all levels of government in her prayers.

The cleric equally urged the people to always remember that death is inevitable and do their best to live godly life.

He described the late Olubadan as a God fearing traditional ruler whose life had impacted many lives.

Among the dignitaries present at the church were Gov. Seyi Makinde,? his deputy, Bayo Lawal, members of the Olubadan Advisory Council, and Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes. (NAN)

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