The United Progressive Party, UPP, has warned Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano and the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, to stop ridiculing Christianity for allegedly describing some of the governorship candidates in the 18th November election in Anambra State as mere catechists.
The party also faulted governor Obiano’s description of the November governorship election as a “fray”, saying the governor was in other words saying the election was a matter of life and death.
The UPP said this in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Ogbuehi Dike in Abuja where it also alleged that after governor Obiano failed while flagging off his campaign on Monday, he then embarked on a self praises, insults and threat to even Christianity, instead of giving the stewardship of his government to the people.
The statement said, “We find it unpardonable that the outgoing governor engaged in self-praise and celebration of the ordinary when the state is collapsing in his hands; when all critical infrastructures he inherited have gone moribund; when investors are now setting up outside the state for lack of conducive business environment; when the education and health system in the state have decayed and when citizens are no longer safe even in places of worship.
“This voyage on self-praise, akin to a poorly scripted home video, and coming at a time the state is confronted with very serious problems is only symptomatic of an irresponsible leadership with no regard for the led and which has completely lost touch with the people.
“Governor Obiano did not address the serious issues of education, health, infrastructure and security. He did not address the recorded abuse of rights of his citizens that trailed the widely condemned military invasion of the southeast, which he championed.
“He did not address the killings in Onitsha, Ozubulu and Ekwulobia. Those do not matter to him.
“Most shocking was when his ally and former CBN Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo ridiculed the Christian faith, and poured disparaging remarks on catechists when he referred to other contestants as mere catechists in the race.
“Maybe he was a mere catechist when he contested under the then ruling PDP and failed. Also, he was less than a mere catechist when he was disqualified by APGA who he is now serving as their megaphone.
“For your information, Catechists, despite their place in the rung of church leadership, are highly respected church leaders who are known for their humility, honesty and care for the flock. “To deride them is therefore an unpardonable insult on the sensibilities of Christians.
“APGA’s disrespect for church leaders shows the scorn with which they hold the Christian faith. If not, can they make such disparaging statements on officials of other religion in their own stronghold?
“We know that Governor Obiano and his party have been in a chaotic mode since the people of Anambra across board moved their support to the United Progressive Party (UPP) and our candidate, Chief Osita Chidoka but he must not throw the state into a fray in his desperation to cling to power even when he knows his time is up.
“Governor Obiano and his APGA should have known by now that this election is a matter of the will of the people and not a fracas.
“He has squandered the goodwill of the people and cannot regain same through insults, instigating of brawls and trying to buy communities and union leaders.
“Recent history is replete with political leaders who used such approaches at a time they should have taken a bow and ended up colossal failures. “On our part, we in the UPP and our candidate, Chief Osita Chidoka regard the people and will continue to stand with them as we march together to victory come November 18, 2017.”
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