Chinedum Elekwachi
Nine Anglican dioceses in Anambra State have commenced advocacy for active participation of Anglican faithful in the November 8 gubernatorial election.
They held a political summit in Onitsha to sensitize members on the need to take active part in the electoral process.
Chairman General, Province of the Niger Political Committee (PNPC), Humphrey Nsofor regretted that the state has not been governed by an Anglican since 1999 democratic dispensation.
Nsofor appealed for the election of a candidate of Anglican extraction in the November 8 governorship election in the interest of equity and fairness.
He said, “We feel that we need to motivate our people to become politically conscious.
According to him, the gathering is to sensitize the 9 Dioceses and also to pray for free and fair election.
“Despite supporting and cooperating with other denominations, Anambra has not had a governor of Anglican extraction, he regretted.
Time to reciprocate
Nsofor said, “We are begging our brothers and sisters in the other denominations to support a candidate from Anglican church.
“That is the spirit of Christianity, fairness and equity. Our God is God of equity, fairness and justice.
“We need someone who can lead with fear of God, who will distribute the democracy dividends.
He called on residents to elect a person who will maintain equity with fairness to all irrespective of denomination.
“We need Somebody that cares for the downtrodden and has the courage to fight insecurity and vices in the society.
Nsofor called on them to vote for candidate who will embrace everybody, bring Ndi Anambra together and not divide them.
“We ask our bishops, clergymen, desk officers and all the laity to come together and support our own.
He expressed the conviction that such collaborative efforts are of immense benefit to everybody.
Director, Directorate of Civic and Political Affairs, DCPA, Diocese on the Niger, Rev Canon Dr Ifeanyichukwu Aniakor urged members of voting age to be awake to their civic responsibilities and make informed choices.
Time for right decision
Aniakor insisted that it was high time Anglicans arose to take right decision in civic participation.
“This is a summit to stimulate the interest of the Anglican church into politics.
“We need to play it the right way to the benefit of the church this time.
“It is a forum to create awareness, organize us to participate fully in the upcoming Governorship election.
“We have succeeded in awakening the interest and political consciousness of our people.
“Without this assembly they may not understand the need all for us to participate in grassroot politics. Now everyone is participating, they are picking interest.
“Such summit equip people with enough information on what they should do.
“It will also enable them make informed choices during elections.
“Today the job has started, the awareness and engagement has started. People are already being organized,” Aniakor said.
Director, Strategy, Planning PNPC, Sir Chris Chikwelu Jnr. said, “Anglicans must wake up, days of compromise are over.
“We cannot just continue playing second fiddle in Anambra State.”
Earlier in his charge, Ven. Dr. Okey Okpeke said, “It is God’s method to use men. Gift of men has been given to the world. Anytime you lack men you are disadvantaged”
