Bishop of the Diocese of Ondo, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) Stephen Oni, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari not to seek re-election in 2019.
Mr Buhari had always last week received and submitted his expression-of-interest and nomination form under the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC.
Bishop Oni said the nation needs a young and visionary leader, not someone of 75-80years to become the next President of the country in 2019 and die in office.
The clergy made this remark at the order of service for the investiture and installation of new chancellor and other officials of the Cathedral Church of St Stephen, Oke-Aluko, Ondo, Ondo State on Sunday.
In his statement entitled, ‘Responsibility, not title,’ the cleric lamented the recycling of old politicians he described as ‘rust brains’ in power at all levels of government in the country, adding that politicians go to any length to perpetuate themselves in power.
He said, “They want to die in office. No wonder, people have thrown caution into the air, we could see impunity everywhere.
“Worthy legacy is not there, we are only recycling rust brains, they will come back again with their pictures, when they give you N1,000 with the popular chant to ‘vote and cook soup’.
“I don’t expect any 75 to 80 years old still in government, what are they doing there? When will they give their children a place? The age of youthfulness is between 25, 30 and 40; who will want to employ in bank a 75-years old man?
“Are we now saying a 75-year-old should go to the National Assembly, what are they doing there? We need young people who have aspirations and highly adventurous. So, let them allow them in.”
