Niger Delta clerics meet Atiku in Abuja

Eleven Christian clerics from the Niger Delta region met with a former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in Abuja on Tuesday to discuss the state of the nation. The meeting, which was held behind closed doors at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, and lasted for more than two hours, was also said to have dwelt on insecurity and political crisis in the country. The clerics were led by Bishop Jones Erue. Also in the entourage were Bishops Julius Ediwe, Bob Manuel, Abhulemen Josiah, Konel Offiong, Innocent Chiedozie, Alex Okubo, Felix Ezebunwo, Charles Okoh , Peter Abingon and Archbishop Eddy Ogbonda. The former President, who spoke with journalists after the meeting, said the meeting discussed several issues in the country. He said, “The meeting is just about the country generally. There is need for unity, peace and stability in the country. Are you telling me that you are not aware that we have security challenges in the north-east and other part of the country.” Asked to explain how he thought the meeting with the Niger Delta Bishops was capable of solving the crisis, Atiku said, “What is happening in the country requires the contribution of everybody including religious bodies. Government alone cannot do it, what is happening in the country requires the input of everyone.” From Punch Newspaper