Politics
Anglican Primate Tasks Christians On Elective Offices
Hon. Legbosi Nwidadah (left) Hon. God’s Time Ben Horsfall (middle) Hon Josiah Olu (right) at the sitting of the House recently. Photo: Chris Monyanaga
Primate of Church of Nige
ria (Anglican Communion), His Grace, the Most Rev’d Nicholas Okoh has charged Christian faithful not to shy away from the country’s electoral process because of its perceived dirty nature but do well to gear up for elective positions for selfless leadership in which the people will rejoice.
Okoh who spoke at the just-concluded fourth edition of Divine Commonwealth Conference (DIVCCON) with the theme. “In Times Like These”, said Christians more than ever before, should stand up to be counted among the political leaders in the country so that they can contributed effectively in the peace, unity and progress of the nation.
The Primate said with nostalgia that Nigeria and indeed most parts of the world were passing through perilous times in which people with the fear of God should go into leadership position to bring succor to the system.
“The times we are in are characterized by towering magnitude of moral evil, inhumanity and wickedness never before seen in the history of the world and from developments around the world, this widespread nightmare does not seem to be hastening to a decline. There is no country or part of the world that can actually be said to be at ease any longer. If it is not civil war, then terrorism, splintering insurgency groups, then Ebola and other devastating situations bedeviling the generation” he said.
He noted that the challenges of the times are multi-faceted with different parts of the world struggling with one type or the other, describing the incidents as bad omen for the human race. He remarked that human being have grown so callous that there is no explanation for their wickedness and dastardly acts against fellow beings. The Anglican Chief Shepherd said the appalling signs of the times also abound in Nigeria, especially, in the North East areas where peace has become a commodity that they used to know but no longer exist resulting from terrorism under the aegis of the violent Boko Haram sect of the Islam.
He also spoke about other evils of the times in Nigeria which include the proliferation of baby factories, kidnapping in the South and Niger Delta areas as well as ritual killings rape, homosexuality, lesbianism, same-sex marriage, bestiality.
Given the prevailing times, he called on all well-meaning Nigerians, especially, Christians to rise against the evils, but charged the faithful not to lose heart knowing that these events herald the close of the age.
Okoh said the nation needs divine intervention in times of terrorism and political maneuverings, and charged people with the fear of God to rise to the challenge of exposing and opposing evils in the land even at the risk of their own lives, and not people who will bend facts because of selfish gains or any affiliations in religious, political, ethnic and tribal sentiments.
He said people should be free to practice their religious faith without intimidation and molestation of any form especially in the face of terrorism and wanton destruction of lives and property, adding that in times like these, politics of selfishness must give way to justice, equity and peaceful co-existence.
The primate said though evil seems to be on the riot in the society, he charged Christians to be courageous, preserver, maintain unwavering faith, prayerful etc “knowing that darkness can never conquer light.
According to him, “God shall fight for Nigeria and put her enemies to shame, and called on all Christian churches to unite and return to the places of fasting and prayer for the nation towards the restoration of her fortunes.
Samuel Eleonu
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.
Speaking in an interview on Saturday, January 10, Chief Sara-Igbe alleged that the minister had flouted regulations governing the commencement of electioneering campaigns by moving from one local government area to another to galvanise political support.
According to him, the action amounted to a clear breach of electoral guidelines being carried out with a troubling sense of impunity that could undermine the rule of law.
“Wike has violated the electoral laws of campaigning by going from local government to local government to talk to the people. He travelled from one local government to another. As a result of his visits to local government areas, he has broken election regulations and continues to do all these things without fear of repercussions”, Chief Sara-Igbe said.
The remarks came as Chief Wike was set to round off a state-wide “thank-you” tour that covered all 23 local government areas of Rivers State.
Although the minister had described the tour as an appreciation visit following support for President Bola Tinubu in the 2023 general elections, critics say the engagements have assumed an overtly political character.
Observers note that during several stops, including recent visits to Andoni and Bonny local government areas, the minister rallied supporters across party lines under what he termed a “Rainbow Coalition,” a move widely interpreted as part of a broader political strategy.
During these engagements, Chief Wike was also reported to have made remarks perceived as a veiled challenge to the authority of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, while repeatedly referencing the 2027 elections and urging supporters to prepare to “correct the mistake” of 2023.
Chief Sara-Igbe warned that allowing such activities to continue unchecked could erode public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process and called on relevant authorities to enforce existing laws without fear or favour.
The Commission, in a statement on Wednesday, claimed that there were plans by the same group to escalate a smear campaign against its Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, to frustrate ongoing investigations and prosecutions involving prominent individuals.
The statement endorsed by the agency’s spokesman, Mr Dele Oyewale, claimed that the action was intended to distract the Commission through unfounded allegations of political bias in the discharge of its duties.
The EFCC warned that it would not stand by and watch “those recruited into this ignoble enterprise” or allow any attempt to derail it from “the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.”
The Commission made it clear that those recruited into this venture were under close watch, adding that it would not tolerate any attempt to distract it from the patriotic task of improving public accountability in Nigeria.
“The EFCC reiterates its non-political stance in all its activities. Facts on the ground clearly show that any political actor belonging to the ruling party or opposition party, with corruption baggage, has no hiding place from the operational radar and dynamics of the Commission.
“As a matter of fact, several strong members of the ruling and opposition parties are either facing trial before the courts or being investigated by the Commission.
“It is needful that Nigerians appreciate the fact that the Commission is keeping faith with its Establishment Act in all its operations.
“Therefore, the Commission reiterates its commitment to justice, without fear or favour, in the fulfilment of its mandate,” the statement pointed out.
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