Politics
Cleric Urges Politicians To Shun Violence
The Anglican Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Olisa Chukwuma, has charged Nigerians especially the political class to eschew violence, bitterness and rancour, to produce a stable democratic structure in the country come 2011.
He, also, assured Nigerians that the church would continue to impact on the socio and spiritual lives of the people, as the 2011 general election draws nearer.
He made this assertion while briefing newsmen in preparation for the 40th Anniversary celebration of the Enugu Anglican Diocese, at the Bishop’s Court, said election violence would reduce if political office seekers play the game in line with the laid down rules.
The Cleric also stressed the need for Christians not to shy away from politics, stressing that their leaders through the Church should be on the toes of politicians at all times, in order to check arbitrary rules as the “Church is the conscience of the nation”.
His words: “Even if I am not in partisan politics but I am involved in politics by keeping our politicians on their toes. We are going to mobilise our people for the forthcoming general elections so that we can have credible elections. We need political leaders with integrity and selflessness. Political office holders should give account to us for us to know whether we shall elect them or not.”
On the 40th anniversary celebration, of the Enugu Diocese, Bishop Chukwuma traced the history of the Diocese to the era of the pioneer Bishop, Rt. Rev. Gideon Otubelu of the blessed memory who, he recalled, served the Dioceses meritoriously for no fewer than 27 years before he departed this sinful world.
He disclosed that he (Bishop Chukwuma) took over the mantle of leadership of the Diocese in 1998, noting that the Diocese was carved out of Niger Diocese from the ruins of the Nigerian civil war.
“We had challenges but we saw them as developmental challenges. Today, we are happy that there is peace and joy in the Enugu Diocese. What we are celebrating is a celebration of goodness of our Lord and the women are not left out, as they have equally made a mark especially in schools, health and campaign against indecent dressing”.
While expressing gratitude to God for sustaining the Diocese in the last 40years, the Bishop also thanked all their benefactors and friends of the Church for their support and encouragement at all times, praying the good Lord to reward them abundantly.
However, he said that the laying of foundation stone of the Diocese Micro-Finance bank would be one of the events lined up for the anniversary celebration, which would end on Sunday October 31, 2010 with a thanksgiving service at the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd, Independence Layout Enugu.
He named Dr Mrs. Chika Ndiokwelu , and the former Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) , Professor Chinedu Nebo, as some of the distinguished Nigerians expected to deliver lectures during the celebration.
According to him, apart from the launching of a book entitled: “History of Diocese of Enugu at 40”, on Saturday, October 30, the week long event would also feature Prize giving and Award of Honours to deserving members of the Church including post humous awards.
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has strongly rejected calls by the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria seeking the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, over comments he allegedly made on genocide.
The Fellowship described the demand as unjustified and a threat to constitutional freedoms.
In a statement signed by its National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, the PFN insisted that Prof Amupitan, like every Nigerian, has the constitutional right to express his views on matters of national concern, irrespective of the public office he occupies.
According to the PFN, the comments attributed to the INEC Chairman were made in his personal capacity and had no link whatsoever with his official responsibilities or electoral duties.
The Fellowship stressed that elections and electoral activities were not involved in the matter, arguing that there was no basis to connect the alleged comments to Prof Amupitan’s role as INEC Chairman.
“We strongly oppose such calls because Prof. Amupitan, as a Nigerian, has the right to make comments on what he observes to be happening in the nation, regardless of his appointment or assignment,” the statement read.
The PFN said it condemned “in every ramification” the suggestion that the INEC Chairman should be removed from office on the basis of his personal views, warning against attempts to punish public officials for expressing opinions outside the scope of their official duties.
The Tide source reports that the Fellowship also cautioned against what it described as a growing tendency to interpret national issues through religious lenses, noting that such an approach only deepens divisions and undermines peaceful coexistence.
“We must resist the temptation of profiling or judging people based on their religious beliefs or positions. Prof. Amupitan has a right to bear his mind, and this should not be at the cost of his job,” the PFN added.
The PFN called on all stakeholders to exercise restraint, understanding and mutual respect in national discourse, particularly on sensitive issues.
It emphasised that unity and peace must remain paramount in addressing national challenges.
The Fellowship reaffirmed its commitment to fairness, justice and mutual respect, urging that these values guide public engagement and responses to issues affecting the country.
The Special Adviser on Political Affairs to the Rivers State Governor, Dr. Darlington Oji, has disclosed that about 15 Special Advisers to the governor were duly approved by the Rivers State House of Assembly before the current political crisis in the State.
Oji made the disclosure in a Television programme in Port Harcourt, recently, while reacting to issues surrounding appointments, the impeachment moves against the governor and his deputy, and allegations of financial mismanagement.
He clarified that the appointment of Special Advisers was carried out in strict compliance with constitutional provisions, and received the approval of the Rivers State House of Assembly under the leadership of the Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, before the crisis began.
According to the Special Adviser, the appointments did not require any further screening, countering claims that the governor violated due process in constituting his advisory team.
On the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu, Oji described the process as unfounded and lacking constitutional backing.
He said that several lawmakers who initially supported the impeachment move were now reconsidering their stance after discovering that the process had no legal basis.
Oji also attributed the impeachment plot to personal and political ambitions, saying it is not motivated by the interest or welfare of the people of Rivers State.
Speaking on the financial position of the State after the Emergency Rule, the Special Adviser disclosed that the governor met about ?600 billion in the state’s coffers upon assumption of office.
He explained that the availability of funds enabled the administration to continue governance smoothly without the need for a supplementary budget.
The governor’s aide also refuted allegations of financial mismanagement against the governor, and stressed that all allocations to lawmakers and constituency projects were transparently handled.
He maintained that the Fubara administration remained focused on development, stability, and good governance despite the political distractions in the State.
Oji expressed confidence that the impeachment moves would eventually be abandoned as legislators and the public become more informed, adding that the governor’s leadership has continued to reassure citizens and sustain political stability in the State.
King Onunwor
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