NIGERIA (Oyo) - The Catholic Archbishop-Emeritus and the Apostolic Administrator of Ibadan Archdiocese, Most Rev. Dr. Felix Alaba Adeosin Job, has said that political office holders in Nigeria should promote the fundamental human rights of the citizens.

He said this during his sermon at the Holy Mass held in commemoration of the World Day of Peace, at St. Mary’s Catholic Cathedral, Oke-Padi, Ibadan.

While acknowledging various efforts of both the Federal and State governments towards delivering the dividend of democracy to the people of Nigeria, Archbishop-Emeritus Job added that when the right of the people is promoted, people in power would be opportune to make judicious use of both human and natural resources in the country for the betterment of the people, rather than using it for their personal gain.

“As we celebrate World Day of Peace, I want to encourage our leaders to promote the fundamental human rights of Nigerians.

“When leaders work towards promoting the rights of the people with genuine mind of true service to humanity, it would enable them to give whatever is due to every Nigerian.

“Our people should not be denied their rights to education, association and freedom of expression,” he added.

On the ongoing political alignments among politicians in the country, Archbishop-Emeritus Job described it as a good move, provided that it would ensure the betterment of Nigerians.

“Concerning our politicians aligning with one another, I think it is a right step in the right direction, only if the basic intention was to promote the interest of common Nigerians.

Immediately the Holy Mass was concluded, Archbishop-Emeritus Job, in a media chat, urged every individual to promote love in 2014.

While making a recap of his event-filled and successful period of over 42 years in-charge of Catholic Church in the Archdiocese of Ibadan, the clergyman said people should desist from making material things a priority.

“My New Year message for 2014 is that people should develop love for one another.

“Nigeria is blessed with both human and natural resources, and if we add love to these God’s gifts, the country would become the best in the world.

“Let us resist from placing our material demands above the love we suppose to exhibit to one another.

“God Almighty demanded that we should love one another irrespective of political and religious differences.

“Loving one another promotes the genuine plan of God in our lives and the world would be devoid of chaos, anarchy and doom.

On the issue of same sex marriage, Archbishop-Emeritus Job said it is a move that violates the law of God and natural order.

“Same sex marriage is a result of human weaknesses which became rampant due to decadence of western values.

“This act violates the commandment of God and natural law which emphasized on procreation.

“Same Sex marriage is unreasonable because it contradicts the natural propensity of multiplication, and any church which promotes this devilish act is unfaithful to Christ.

He then encouraged his successor, Archbishop Gabriel Leke Abegunrin, to remain the man of God and of the people, adding that he is confident that the Holy Spirit which inspired his choice would not leave him alone in his journey as the next Chief Shepherd of Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan.

“Archbishop Abegunrin is a man of experience. He has been a Bishop since 1995, and I know that the Holy Spirit will direct him.

“Abegunrin is the choice of Christ for the Archdiocese of Ibadan and the same Christ shall help him in his new quest. I have no doubt that he will perform exceptionally well.

Archbishop-Emeritus Job became the Chief Shepherd of Ibadan Archdiocese on July 4, 1971. During his 42 years in-charge, the Catholic Church in Ibadan made series of contributions to the development of Oyo State and thenation in areas of education, health, communication, media and publicity, job creation and propagation of faith.

The church expanded from 8 parishes which Archbishop Job took over, to over 38 well-developed parishes, coupled with many out-stations, mass centres, institutions of different categories and many more he established.

The Archdiocese now has 98 indigenous priests, with many missionary communities of Rev. Sisters and priests spread across the whole area.

He will officially hand over his position as the Archbishop of Ibadan Archdiocese and the Metropolitan See of Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province to His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel Leke Abegunrin, on January 24, 2014.