By Tommy Solomon
Posted to the Web: Tuesday, September 26, 2006

Okogie who spoke in Uyo at the end of a 3-day pastoral visit also challenged the Nigerian press to be alive to its watch - dog functions if the country’s leaders must be made to properly serve the people.

The Catholic Bishop noted with dismay the various ills afflicting the country such as corruption, embezzlement, blackmails, assassinations, robberies and unemployment among others and said such vices were not the hallmarks of a progressive nation.
He said the Nigerian press was weak although he gave kudos to some media houses for their continued protection of the interests of the down-trodden.

Okogie called on Nigerians to take active part in the registration of voters to enable them elect credible leaders during next year’s elections."I want to tell all Nigerians to be prepared more than ever before to participate effectively in next year’s elections. We cannot have credible leaders if we do not register. When the registration begins, they should go out en masse to put their names” Okogie urged.

Speaking on the handing-over of mission schools by government to their original owners, Okogie said the call becomes necessary as the learning condition and facilities in such schools have now deteriorated.