Politics
Corruption: Cleric Blames Religious Leaders, Politicians
A London-based Cleric, Pastor Tosan Abuwa, has blamed
religious leaders and top politicians in Nigeria for the present corruption
pervading the country.
Abuwa, the General
overseer, Redeemed and Restored Ministries Int’l, noted that most religious leaders are
unable to condemn corrupt political
leaders and government functionaries because they have compromised
by fraternizing with them.
In a sermon recently,
the Senior Pastor expressed shock that religious leaders who are supposed to be
at the vanguard of the campaign for good governance and moral uprightness among
political leaders could no longer do so as a result of what he called “their
unholy romance with politicians”.
The cleric, who frowned at the growing level of socio –
economic decay in the country, also berated the nation’s leaders for not doing
enough to make life comfortable for its citizens.
“It is sad that millions of Nigerians are suffering today,
many are hungry, many are jobless, while social infrastructure facilities like
roads, power supply, and hospitals are in deplorable situation.
“Nigeria is a country blessed by God with natural resources,
for which its citizens have no reason to suffer, but bad leadership has denied
people the chance of enjoying the natural endowments given to the nation by
God, “ he said.
According to him, “politicians continue to feed fat, while
government continue to milk oil, from the Niger Delta Region leaving nothing to
show for it. Nigerians are used to “suffering and smiling” as earlier predicted
by the late Afro Beat king, Fela Kuti,.
Pastor Tosan thus urged Nigerians to rise against
intimidation, corruption while referring to Naboth in the Bible against King Ahab a corrupt king, noted for
intimidating and collecting people’s inheritance, (1kg 21:3) adding that
“ God’s judgment is very imminent on corrupt leaders and
other people who are engage in vices
militating against the progress of this country.
“As from this moment, God will pass through this nation and
it will be time for our leaders to give account of their stewardship. Those who
are found wanting should expect God’s judgment”, he declared, urging political
leaders in the country to develop new attitude toward governance.
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
Accordingg to the statement, the Board and National Executive Committee of PANDEF, noted with very grave concern the recent spate of political developments in Rivers State.
“Regrettably, these developments have now degenerated into the decision of the Rivers State House of Assembly to commence impeachment proceedings against the governor and deputy governor.
“This is a deeply disturbing situation that demands urgent attention in order to forestall further escalation and breakdown of law and order.
“This concern is heightened by the critical importance and strategic centrality of Rivers to the Niger Delta region and to the broader socio-political stability and economic wellbeing of Nigeria as a whole”, the statement said.
The Forum called on all parties involved in the resurgent political imbroglio to sheathe their swords and embrace peace.
“This should be guided by the principles of give-and-take, dialogue, tolerance, and political equanimity.
“All stakeholders must place paramount importance on peace, development and the welfare of the people of Rivers.
“We must now focus squarely on good governance and development of the state,” the Forum said.
PANDEF commended President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), respected elders of Rivers State, and other well-meaning Nigerians for their previous and ongoing efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the state.
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