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.
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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