Francis Cardinal Arinze says Nigeria should promote televised debates during elections as a way of strengthening the country’s democracy.
Cardinal Arinze stated this during a lecture he delivered during his visit to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam campus on Thursday July 4th 2024.
Angel Network News (ANN) reports that
in his lecture titled, “Promoting Social Responsibilities and Ethical Conduct”, Cardinal Arinze who was the Guest Lecturer during a reception to welcome him to the University, stated that televised debates, like in developed democracies, would give the electorate the opportunity to decide which candidate they want.
The Catholic Prelate also charged Universities, as ivory towers and centres of research and learning, to help in the formation of leaders who cannot be bought while governments and politicians should allow the universities exercise their right of expression irrespective of party affiliation.
The Cardinal who noted that Bible says that you shall know the truth and the truth will make you free, said that any academic who is indifferent to the truth has betrayed his or her calling urging them not to fail in their responsibilities to students and the society at large.
In her welcome remarks, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kate Omenugha expressed great delight at the visit of the Cardinal to the institution, the presence of Most Reverend Dennis Isizoh of Aguleri Catholic Diocese and the outstanding turnout of people at the event.
Describing the Cardinal as not just a Catholic but a world figure and role model that the university is looking up to , Professor Omenugha mentioned that the university has began rebranding and the setting up of an interdenominational Committee where they have ecumenical relationship.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academics, Professor Osita Chiaghanam in a vote of thanks on behalf of the university community, appreciated his eminence for the official visit to the institution, and for the symbolic tree planting which he described as trees of hope assuring him that they will guide them jealously till maturity.
