Kaigama to Nigerian leaders: Return stolen loot now

Nigerian leaders who looted public and individual treasuries should learn from the biblical Zacchaeus and return the stolen funds to all those they duped and seek forgiveness from God, the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Ignatius Kaigama, advised on Sunday.

He also said Nigeria would only experience greater success when greed changes to generosity and selfishness to selflessness.

According to him, all the proceeds of crime and recovered national assets should be put to judicious use, including building first-class, well-equipped and properly managed hospitals in every geo-political zone with citizens having easy access to them.

The cleric also exposed the tricks being deployed by politicians to win the 2023 election.

Kaigama stated these in his Homily delivered at Our Lady Queen of Nigeria Pro-Cathedral in Abuja with the theme, “The Merciful Face of God.”

The cleric recalled that by entering the house of Zacchaeus, Jesus showed love to the sinner, but hated his sin, adding that He restored his dignity and sense of self-worth.

He said, “Zacchaeus thus broke away from his sinful habits and past ways to recreate a healthy relationship with God. His solemn announcement of his firm commitment to doing justice by sharing his wealth with the poor and making restitution fourfold to the defrauded should be a vade mecum (a guide for ready reference) for our leaders who have for long deprived the poor so much. Punch