By Praise Chinecherem
Founder, Leader and Archbishop of Living Christ Mission Inc., His Grace, The Most Rev Prof Daddy Hezekiah has criticized certain policies and practices of the banking industries in the country.
He particularly condemned the arbitrary deductions made from customers’ accounts for cash deposits and other transactions, describing it as mere extortion and damaging to reputation of the country and the banking sector.
The cleric who spoke during a chat with newsmen at the church headquarters in Onitsha, Anambra State, appealed to Federal Government to intervene and rectify such practices for the citizens’ well-being and integrity of the banking sector.
He called on Central Bank of Nigeria to direct subordinate banks in the country to refrain from the practice of converting moneys sent from overseas relatives in hard or foreign currencies into naira when disbursing to the recipients.
“The Federal Government should take urgent action to investigate and address the fraudulent activities of some banks in Nigeria which is unfortunate and grossly unhealthy,” he said.
The Prelate further commended the
Federal Government for shunning the embracement of the LGBTQ practices which he described as very immoral, abominable and highly destructive in nature.
He urged the Federal Government to reconsider the removal of Petroleum subsidy in view of its devastating impact on the masses.
He said, “This decision has led to an unbearable increase in the prices of essential goods and services, including foodstuffs, transportation, other commodities and exchange rates for the dollar and other currencies.
“The removal of the oil subsidy has brought immense hardship on the populace, including civil servants whose salaries have remained stagnant.
“Adequate measures should have been taken beforehand to mitigate the adverse effects of the subsidy removal on oil and electricity, as it is the masses that suffer the adverse effect.
“The distribution of cash or palliatives to help the poor masses in this situation may seem to be a good option but a critical consideration tells us that these palliative and money distributions end up in the pockets of a few connected individuals.
“Because oil and electricity subsidies benefit both the rich and the poor, I therefore appeal to the federal government to reconsider the removal of the fuel subsidies in question, so as to better the economic conditions of Nigerians.”
Expressing deep concern over the escalating insecurity plaguing the nation, characterized by rampant kidnappings and violence that tarnish Nigeria’s international reputation, the cleric called for intensified efforts in combating all forms of insecurity across the country.
“The primary responsibility of a sovereign government is to ensure the safety of its citizens and their properties, yet many lives are being lost on daily basis due to insecurity in the country.
“It’s unimaginable how hundreds of students/pupils could be abducted without any trace. It’s more worrisome the ease at which kidnappers demand and receive millions of naira as ransoms often without tracing the bank accounts these are being paid into.
“Agricultural activities in various states have been abruptly hampered by insecurity, which is detrimental to the economic and food production in the country. The pervasive insecurity also deters both local and international investors from investing in the nation’s economy,” he added.
While calling on government to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to address insecurity effectively, the Prelate recommended the procurement and deployment of advanced technology to apprehend perpetrators and ensure they face the full force of the law, thereby restoring safety and stability to Nigeria.
Daddy Hezekiah who doubles as Proprietor and Chancellor of the first private university in Imo State, Hezekiah University, Umudi, also urged the judiciary to prioritize justice, equity and fairness at all cost, emphasizing that the judiciary is the last hope for the common man.
He stressed the importance of a fair and independent judiciary in upholding justice and rebuilding public trust.
He further advised governments at all levels in Nigeria to urgently embark on massive rehabilitation of roads especially in the South East region where dilapidated roads have become death traps.
According to him, the poor road network, not only hampered economic activities but also contributed to increase in accidents and criminalities in the country.
On appointments of people in high offices, the man of God advised the government to always put round pegs in round holes, by appointing people who are by all standard qualified for the positions, as these would ensure efficient service delivery.
While lamenting daily loss of lives in Nigeria due to the lack of access to quality healthcare, particularly among the impoverished masses who face financial constraints, the cleric called upon both the Federal and State Governments to properly equip and support General Hospitals to make quality healthcare services accessible to all, regardless of socio-economic status.
He implored authorities to address the high costs of medical treatment in private hospitals.
On election stability in Nigeria, Daddy Hezekiah passionately called on the government to combat rigging and other electoral malpractices, maintaining that illegitimate leaders breed anarchy as they would not have the mandate of the people.
He also called on leaders to always be responsive to the yelling and aspirations of their subjects, by providing for their basic needs, secured and conducive environment, at all times.
