Retirement: I’m waiting for pope’s reply — Onaiyekan

The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, yesterday said he is still waiting for Pope Francis to reply his retirement letter which has been with him for months.

Onaiyekan spoke during the presentation of the book: “Thy will be done: A Portrait of John Cardinal Onaiyekan” in Abuja.

The book written by Onaiyekan’s former private Secretary, Emmanuel Ojeifo, was part of the celebration of the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja’s 50th priestly ordination anniversary and 75 birthday celebration.

“My birthday marks the end of my position as the Archbishop of Abuja Archdiocese. And I made it clear to everybody at that time that I was ready for retirement and I am still ready. My letter is on the table of Pope Francis and I am waiting for his reply.

“If he does not reply me quickly enough, I am going to remind him, I will send him a reminder that his Cardinal in Abuja is still waiting. I know that he knows what to do and how to do it. I thank God for the CoAdjuctor Archbishop [Ignatius Kaigama] that has been assigned to this Archdiocese, my successor with whom I have been working hand-in-hand. And with him my heart is at peace and I know that the transition from one Archbishop to another will be as smooth as it can ever be,” he said.

Onaiyekan also said “We need peace in Nigeria, because if there is no peace, the nation will not move forward. As a Christian we should always work for peace.”

Meanwhile, a minister-designate Paulen Tallen has described John Cardinal Onaiyekan as an intelligent and selfless man of God, advising all to submit themselves to God and allow his will in their lives.

Tallen, a former Deputy Governor of Plateau State, while answering questions after the presentation of the book on Onaiyekan.