EXCERPTS:
“….There is little indication that the organisers fully envisaged or prepared for such a crowd. But of far more significance is the presence at the vigil of the Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and a team of political aides and party officials including a governorship candidate in the coming election, slated for November 16. Although the governor had reportedly left before the dawn tragedy, his presence at the vigil with party men smirks of a mix of politics and religion.
“By inviting the governor to address the crowd at the occasion, the vigil organisers allowed too much latitude and thus created room for undue excitement. Was that Obi’s first time at the grounds? Why did he attend at this period and not in his individual capacity as a Catholic faithful? Is it true that politicians were allowed to turn Adoration Ground to campaign venue and in the process desecrate a holy place?
“The Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha Diocese, the Most Rev. Valerian Okeke has ruled out any sabotage. While his assertion may be true, the ban on politics in the church by the chairman of the South East Christian Association of Nigerian (CAN) Rt. Rev Emmanuel Chukwuma which was directed at all pastors and bishops in Anambra and the South-East is also most welcome. This should not preclude a thorough investigation of the Uke tragedy to identify culprits and sanction them accordingly.
“The ugly incident is a pointer that many religious leaders have lost bearing on their professional calling. The ministry has been so bastardised that it has become an all-comers’ affair, mostly for economic and other reasons. All sorts of atrocities are being perpetrated in the name of God, whereas the ministers are simply to preach the Word, minister to souls and lead as many as possible back to God. Sadly, many have chosen to preach politics on the pulpit and shamelessly hobnob with politicians for pecuniary gains….”
