Bode George’s welcome party, a show of shame

Posted by admin Latest Politics, National Politics Tuesday, March 1st, 2011

The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Anthony Cardinal Okogie, has described as shameful the recent pomp and pageantry with which the former Vice Chairman of PDP, Chief Olabode George, was greeted on his release from Kirikiri Maximum prison.

George was released on Saturday after serving a two and half year jail term. He was convicted on charges of embezzling public funds while serving as the Chairman of the Nigerian Ports Authority.

In a press release made available to THE PUNCH, Cardinal Okogie condemned the reception, calling it a moral and psychological blow to the fight against corruption. “What are they celebrating? What message are they passing across to the people, especially the youth? Are they saying it is okay to steal huge funds, serve a few months in jail and return triumphantly to enjoy the loot?” the cleric asked.

Accusing the Federal Government and the ruling party of treating corruption with kid gloves, Cardinal Okogie added, “This singular action reveals the hypocrisy of the ruling party on the fight against corruption. Otherwise, why would people wear aso-ebi and make all that noise on national TV to celebrate someone who looted public funds?

“Unless those in leadership positions caution themselves from insulting the sensitivity of Nigerians, the people may soon be provoked to revolt” Cardinal Okogie warned, drawing the attention of all involved in reception to the current spate of revolutions in the Middle East.

-Punchwp_posts