Ajakaye to Buhari: reduce planes, vehicles

 

The Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Rev Felix Ajakaye, has advised President Muhammadu Buhari to reduce the number of planes in the presidential air fleet and luxury vehicles in line with “the mood of the country”.

The cleric said the President must lead by example and reduce waste in governance and plug loopholes.

He added that the culture of waste is hurting Nigerians and the economy, hence the need to halt it and save the polity from collapse.

Rev Ajakaye spoke at a service to mark the 50th World Communication Day at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral, Old Garage, Ado-Ekiti.

In his homily entitled: “Communication and Mercy: A Fruitful Encounter”, the bishop reminded Buhari that his administration is in a race against time to fulfil electoral promises made in the run-up to the 2015 general elections.

He emphasised that time has come for the President and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to deliver the practical change promised Nigerians and refrain from sloganeering.

Rev Ajakaye called on the President to revisit the report of the 2014 National Conference and implement same. He also called for unity and reconciliation in the country.

He said: “Tough times don’t last but tough people do, indeed, these are tough times in Nigeria however, we cannot continue to moan over our lost opportunities.

“As individuals and people, we need to find concrete solutions to our series of problems and march on strongly.

“I remind President Buhari of the need to lead by example by reducing the number of presidential planes (the media reports allege they are between 10 and 12) and fleet of luxury vehicles at Aso Rock, the seat of power. Let us begin to end the culture of waste.”

Advising the President and his party to turn around the nation’s fortunes, the bishop said: “What we really need now is practical change, though it is an ongoing process, it involves all.  Practical change is a definitive departure from slogan to action.

“Although corruption is endemic in the country, indiscipline is the root of nearly all the problems and crises in the country.

“Once there is discipline in every sphere of life, there will be genuine patriotism and national consciousness.”