The Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, Anthony Cardinal Okogie, on Wednesday urged the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, to beware of sycophants ahead of his assumption of office on May 29.
Okogie, in a statement in Lagos, urged Buhari to be wary of “wolves in sheep clothing’’ and all the political jobbers who jumped ship to identify with the winning party.
He said, “Now that the euphoria of electoral victory is over and with some days to the handover ceremony, the President-elect should get to work and hit the ground running without further delay.
“He does not have the luxury of time. He should not be distracted by the litany of request, demands, recommendations, unrealistic expectations, and open letters on his table and in the media.
“He should also be mindful of the promises and commitments he makes as he receives delegations from different states, various bodies and interest groups.
“He should be wary of wolves in sheep clothing, sycophants and all the political jobbers, who jumped ship to identify with the winning party”.
The cleric advised Buhari to listen to all but ensure he evaluates the motives, intentions and the principles underlying the request being made by his visitors.
Okogie added, “As William Shakespeare succinctly opined ‘give every man thy ear but few thy voice. Take each man’s censure but reserve thy judgement’”.
He also urged the president-elect to strive to fulfil his manifesto.
“Before the elections, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, during his campaign promised to fight corruption, provide security and deliver on the economy. These are key areas that he must address with immediate alacrity.
“If he keeps to his words and pursue these three pillars of his manifesto to their logical conclusion, Nigeria will surely witness a tremendous growth and development in its national life”. (NAN)