•••Threaten Legal Action Against Elected Bishop
By Kamsi Anayo, Awka
The election of Ven. Prof. Sam Ike, an Anambra man, as the new Bishop of Enugu Diocese has sparked widespread outrage and protests.
The election, which took place on Aug. 13, 2024, in Abuja, has been rejected by the indigenes of Enugu state, who claim that the process was unfair and did not reflect the will of the people.
According to a petition written by Kingsley Okah, a justice advocate, on behalf of the people of Enugu, the election outcome is a clear indication of the church’s insensitivity and disregard for fairness and justice.
The petition alleged that Ven. Prof. Ike is a puppet of the retired Bishop Emmanuel Chukwuma, who was allegedly accused of issues during his tenure in Enugu.
This development comes years after Bishop Peter Okpaleke from Anambra state was rejected by the Ahiala Diocese of the Catholic Church in Imo state.
The protesters argued that the Anglican Church has consistently marginalized the people of Enugu, citing the fact that the first bishop of Enugu was from Anambra, and the immediate past bishop was from Asaba.
The petition demanded that the church hierarchy revisit the election outcome, citing the need for fairness and justice.
It also threatened to explore legal means to assert their rights and borrow strategies from the Catholic Diocese of Ahiara, which successfully rejected Okpaleke.
Okpaleke was later appointed Bishop of Ekwulobia, in Anambra State and made Cardinal by Pope Francis
The Enugu controversy has sparked a heated debate on social media, with many calling on the church to address the concerns of the Enugu indigenes and ensure fairness and justice in its decision-making processes.
Title: Nigeria’s Toxic Trinity: Tribalism, Religion, and Nepotism Must End
Nigeria, a nation blessed with diversity and potential, is being held hostage by three insidious forces: tribalism, religion, and nepotism. These destructive seeds have been sown and nurtured for far too long, threatening to consume the very fabric of our society. It’s time to confront and uproot them.
The recent controversy surrounding the appointment of a bishop in the Anglican Diocese of Enugu is a stark example. The refusal of the Enugu Diocese to accept a qualified candidate from Anambra State simply because of his geographical origin is a shameful display of tribalism. This parochial mindset is not only un-Christian but also un-Nigerian.
Tribalism, religion, and nepotism are intertwined evils that have hindered Nigeria’s progress. They have led to:
– Discrimination and marginalization
– Inefficient allocation of resources
– Lack of meritocracy
– Ethnic and religious conflicts
– Stagnant development
These toxic forces have become so entrenched that they are now considered normal. But we must not accept them as normal. We must challenge and reject them.
Nigeria needs leaders who will prioritize national interest over tribal and religious affiliations. We need leaders who will appoint based on merit, not geography or creed. We need leaders who will unite, not divide.
The time for change is now. Let us join hands to build a Nigeria where every citizen is treated equally, regardless of tribe, religion, or region. A Nigeria where competence and character are the only criteria for leadership. A Nigeria where unity and progress are the only goals.
We owe it to ourselves, our children, and future generations to eradicate the seeds of tribalism, religion, and nepotism. Let us rise above these destructive forces and build a truly great nation.
It’s getting to a point in this country where we will have to know the origins of our bus drivers, plane pilots, train drivers and ship sailors before we board the transport vehicles.
Yet they want to become Governor of Lagos State.
It has happened before and it will continue to happen again.
When God was to appoint a king in Israel, the people had their spec in mind which God granted and we all know the consequence. Enugu diocese members want their spec and the Anglican Communion may reluctantly grant the request but let’s wait for the consequence as it was in the days of King Saul. May God have mercy on us. Amen
Church leaders should live by example: stay away from , SELF, LOVE OF POSITION & POWER, SEXUAL IMMORALITY, and AUTOCRACY; they need to be TRANSPARENT & RIGHTEOUS, HONEST, RECOGNIZE THE LAITY; above all ” Let the WORD OF GOD DWELL RICHLY IN THEIR HEARTS AND LIVE IN THE SPIRIT OF GOD”.