From John Dike, Osogbo

A call has gone to Nigerians to be patient with the present administration on the recent removal of oil subsidy, which has led to a rift between government and labour unions.

The Catholic Bishop of Osogbo Diocese, Most Reverend John Akin Oyejola, gave this appeal at a Holy Mass he celebrated to mark the Solemnity of The Holy Trinity Sunday, held at St Benedict Catholic Cathedral in Osogbo, the Osun State capital.

At the Mass which coincided with the celebration of Father’s Day, the Bishop enjoined Nigerians to bear the temporary pains, saying the quest of removing oil subsidy has become inevitable and important for the development of the nation.

His words: “I can feel the pains of many of us over the recent decision of removal of subsidy. It is good to remove the subsidy so long that our leaders are sincere by using the benefits coming as a result of the removal to develop the nation, build infrastructures such as good roads, hospitals among others.

“My prayer is that after the removal of fuel subsidy, the Government will use the money for development of our land with infrastructures that will be visibly seen and beneficial to all.”

The Bishop who used the occasion to congratulate all fathers in the church, urged them to take proper care of their families as the head of the home, just as Christ who is the head of the church does.

Oyejola hinted that he was indeed happy to see the Celebration of Father’s Day coincide with solemnity of the Holy Trinity.

He enjoined Nigerians to work in unity of purpose without discrimination against each other, and prayed to God to continue to show mercies to the nation and her leaders.

Bishop Oyejola insisted that unity, justice and equity are the yardstick that will help in the development of the nation, urging leaders to implement policies that will unite the people.