Cleric threatens erring priests, cautions Buhari over sycophants

PRIESTS who choose to stay outside the premises of the church they preside would be relieved of their duties, the Anglican Bishop of Benin City, Rt. Rev Peter Imasuen, has warned.

Imasuen, who gave the threat at the weekend during his address to the 17th synod of the diocese at St Matthew Anglican Church, Ekenwan Road, Benin City, also urged President Muhammadu Buhari to be wary of sycophants as he takes steps to fix the country.

In his address ‎entitled, “Breaking the Fallow Ground,” he tasked every priest to perform his duties according to the rules of the church, adding that before a “fallow ground can be tilled, a good heart must be applied.”

The bishop, who thanked God for making the 2015 general elections successful, said the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) also celebrates the former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, for conceding defeat to President Muhammadu Buhari. “We appreciate God for his favours, protection and the peace in our nation,” he said.

“We congratulate President Buhari on his victory at the poll, it was divinely done to usher in peace. “We appeal to him to be very careful of evil men and focus on the development of this country.

My beloved brother, please help us to improve the power sector, economy and security.” Imasuen further urged those occupying political offices to have the fear of God in their duties.

And though he commended the developmental strides of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole’s government, he berated it for extortion through tax collectors and administrators.

“When the issue of taxation came to Edo State, we encouraged our people to pay their taxes and today, we are happy with the development,” he noted. “But the operators now tax both weed and sand, including religious houses. Please save us from the hands of these men on the streets looking for who to devour.”