Politics
2027: Nigerians Victims Of Desperate Politicians – Cleric
He also emphatically declared that Nigerians were victims of ambitious politicians, stressing the need for the people to start questioning the legitimacy and credibility of politicians who are seeking for power.
The cleric, who is not afraid to speak the truth to powers-that-be, said this at a press conference held on Saturday to kick off the WOCOM Triple Celebrations 2025.
The Triple Celebrations 2025 was to mark the ministry’s annual convention tagged “Power of Faith Convention”, 40th anniversary of WOCOM and the 70th birthday celebration of its President, Apostle Popoola.
The WOCOM President spoke in support of a recent statement credited to Most Rev’D Williams Aladekugbe, Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province and Bishop of the Ibadan North Diocese (Anglican Diocese).
Rev. Aladekugbe, speaking at the burial service for the late 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, on Friday, had reportedly carpeted politicians already angling for elective offices, saying desperation will not work in the 2027 elections.
He described the actions of the desperate politicians already campaigning and bargaining for power in elections that are still about two years away as “disgraceful.”
“It is very disturbing that, while our government needs to focus on the myriad of problems confronting the nation, some politicians are already talking about 2027.
“This is a disgrace to governance, an abuse of the people’s mandate, and a reckless disregard for their concerns,” Rev. Aladekugbe added.
Apostle Popoola, supporting the statement by the fiery Anglican cleric, said: “I subscribe to what the man of God said.
“This is because this is two years to 2027 and people have left the assignment they are supposed to be focusing on, but are now focusing on elections.
“This means the next two years of our lives will be wasted on politicians trying to win votes, while the job they are supposed to do to alleviate the sufferings of the people will be neglected.
“Unfortunately, some of them who are already right now spending their times, abandoning the works they are supposed to do, looking for how to get votes, have not really done much for the people.
“So, it is like we have just become a victim of ambitious politicians who, whenever elections are coming, pose as lovers of the people.
“They will come and offer worthless things like one congo of rice and stuffs like that, that will not last the people for under one day or two to get their votes, and to gratify their own whims for the next four years.
“It is like there is a spell over the people of this nation, that no matter how we are treated, we keep quiet. We have been bastardised. We are dehumanised. But we keep quiet.
“They [Nigerians] know that this is what politicians do when elections are coming; they come and offer you stupid rice and worthless things. They get your votes and you would not see them again until the next four years.
“Yet, we keep falling into this trap continually and, no matter what they [the politicians] do in office, we don’t call them to account,” the WOCOM President added
Apostle Popoola said the time had come for NIgerians to begin to demand accountability ensure that those who really and truly are visionary, Godly, performers and with credibility were voted into elective offices.
“The issue wherein somebody just come from the blue and we never know him, and there is no prove if anything he has done in life and then we vote for him, what do you expect from such people?
“It is an unfortunate trend in our nation. That is why I said it is like we Nigerians are under spell; that, no matter the bastardisation, the impunity, we keep doing same thing and then we are crying for a change.
“It is not going to happen. The change in our hands is our votes. We cannot keep casting our votes for some politicians who come every four years and play on our intelligence and take our votes but deliver nothing,” he added.
Apostle Popoola however said all hope was not lost as he declared that the Church would play a very critical role in the 2027 elections across the country.
“The Bible says if the righteous are in power, the people rejoice. If the wicked bears rule, the people mourn. That is a matter of if.
“It took years of speaking out for people to begin to believe that a Godly person can play politics. Today, we are beginning to see well-meaning Christians, born again Christians going into politics.
“We are not as we may ought to be, but, at least, we have been able to improve on what it was. Now, you see the Church taking interest in politics, speaking out.
“And, then, we are also involved in trying to raise Christians who have that calling in ways that when they get into government, they will be able to maintain their faith, walk in truth, in righteousness and lead in a way that will be a blessing to the people and in a way that will lead the nation in the path of progress.
“We are raising Christians that will walk in a way that will lead in the path of justice, fairplay, equity and inclusion. These are the things that will make a nation to move forward.
“We have been able to do that and I have even gone further to look for a way to look at those who are contesting elections, particularly in this state [Oyo].
“We want to look for the best and give them spiritual support and advice. And God has helped us in this respect,” the WOCOM President added.
Chief Ogbeh, an ex-national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), died at the age of 78.
In a Daily Trust interview published shortly before his family announced his death, Chief Ogbeh expressed concerns over the future of the country, describing himself as a sad man who “tried” to find happiness.
“Believe me, I am a sad person. I tried to find happiness, but I am scared of the future. I may not be here [alive], I am way over 70, heading to 80, but I don’t like what I smell. It is very depressing,” he said.
The former minister warned that worsening poverty, neglect of agriculture, and the collapse of local government administration are ominous signs for the country.
“Well, I have one wife, five children and eight grandchildren. But I am a rather sad person because I can see dangers ahead,” he said.
“I don’t see why we are hoping that the younger generation would wake up one day and start dancing for joy.
“Each one of those young men is sending money home to his mother, a cousin or sister who believes that they are in Abuja, and therefore, have money.
“But they just don’t have money. And their number is increasing — they are leaving the villages for the cities.
“They arrive in the cities and the conditions are absolutely impossible. And they can’t go back to the village unless there are things that will actually call them back home”, he added.
Chief Ogbeh also weighed in on the clamour for a new constitution for the country, noting that the nation needs good governance instead.
The politician recounted surviving an assassination attempt in 1998, describing his escape as nothing short of a miracle.
“Oh yes, they broke down the door and came in. They had finished their bullets firing all over the place. They shot my guards. They shot me, left me in a pool of blood and went away. This eye nearly fell out.
“My domestic staff who were outside heard them chanting, ‘We don kill am’. They came back at 6am and took me to hospital. My head was very large and I was totally unconscious.
“Somehow, (they) managed me and I recovered. I had to leave the place and come to Abuja here, where Shehu Malami of Sokoto gave me a flat to stay as long as I could. I had no house”, he said.
Chief Ogbeh served as deputy speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly after he joined politics in 1979.
He was PDP National Chairman from 2001 to 2005 and served as agriculture minister between 2015 and 2019.
Chief Ogbeh was a federal Minister of Communications from 1982 to 1983 during the Shehu Shagari administration.
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?Governor Oyebanji described the late Olubolade as one of the most illustrious sons of Ekiti and a very decent politician, noting that the departure of the former Police Affairs Minister will be greatly missed.?
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The Ekiti State Governor eulogised the late military officer’s meritorious service to the Nigerian armed forces, his excellent public service record and his service to his community, the State and to humanity.?
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Governor Oyebanji, on behalf of the Government and people of Ekiti State, condoled with the family and prayed God to grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
“As I sat there going through the tributes, especially by the children, they are short but very deep tributes and at a moment like this, there are so many questions we cannot answer. The only thing I commend to you is that you allow God to carry you and He will see you through,” the Governor said.?
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Former President Goodluck Jonathan, who was represented by his wife, said the late Olubolade was a gallant Naval Officer who served the country with utmost loyalty.?
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He said the retired Military Administrator left an unforgettable mark in Bayelsa State during his service in the state as well as other positions he held.?
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The Ipoti Ekiti-born late Olubolade died at the age of 71.
Dr Nwoye dismissed claims that the suspended state chairman of the APC, Mr Ugo Agbala, and the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr Uche Nnaji, could block Governor Mbah’s entry into the APC.
He said that the Progressive Group comprises members of APC in Enugu State, some apolitical individuals, and members of other political parties who are progressive-minded and committed to the betterment of the country and Enugu State in particular, would never hesitate to welcome Barr Mbah into APC.
“We are aware of the speculation that Governor Mbah may join the APC, and contrary to rumours, neither Agbala nor Nnaji can stop him. Agbala has been suspended by his ward, and a court order has barred him and nine others from parading themselves as chairman. The minister is equally not in a position to speak for the APC; he’s just a member of the Federal Executive Council,” Dr Nwoye said.
He recalled that President Bola Tinubu, during his visit to Enugu on February 4, urged support for Governor Mbah, regardless of party affiliation.
“One of the motions we passed was to receive Governor Mbah into the APC if he decides to join and to support his re-election bid in 2027, in line with the President’s directive,” Dr Nwoye added.
He also commended President Tinubu for signing into law the establishment of a Federal University of Agriculture in Enugu State and appointing an indigene as Chief of Naval Staff.
“The President has made impactful use of subsidy savings in Enugu State. He recently approved the Federal University of Agriculture for the state and earlier appointed an Enugu son as Chief of Naval Staff. Enugu State will reciprocate by supporting his re-election in 2027,” he stated.
He commended Governor Mbah for his quality leadership and inclusive governance and urged him to continue delivering the dividends of democracy to the people.
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