Echema advised Abia electorate to look objectively at the candidates, their programmes and how their agenda match their expectations of the kind of state they wish to live in.
By Jeffrey Agbo
Catholic Bishop of Aba Diocese, Most Rev. Augustine Echema, has said he did not endorse the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State, Okechukwu Ahaiwe, contrary to rumour.
Prof Echema said in a statement he signed on Tuesday that he would discipline priests and leaders of various groups within Aba Diocese who engage in partisan activities, stressing that the church does not engage in partisan politics.
He said, “My attention has severally been called to publications and allegations of partisan engagement by priests and leaders of various groups within Aba Diocese but I carefully elected to study the situation from behind the scenes to understand the motivations of the individuals, priests and lay faithful, involved and what exactly they intend to achieve by dragging the Church and my good self into the murky waters of partisan politics.
“I find it particularly shocking that the individuals who are actively tarnishing the image of the Church in several parishes and communities in the name of active partisanship claim to be acting with my imprimatur. They feed unsuspecting faithful in various parishes and groups with lies and had become very much emboldened in the last few weeks, perhaps assuming my silence to mean acquiescence.
“I had taken note of these and the individuals and groups involved and would refer them in due time to the necessary organs of the diocese for more extensive investigations and necessary actions.
“For the purpose of setting the records straight, let me clearly state that at no time did I endorse nor held any meeting where the topic of endorsing any governorship candidate for the 2023 guber election in Abia State was discussed. The Church as I had insisted on several occasions must constantly stand above the limitations of partisan politics even as it remains the conscience of the society.
“The speculation that Aba Diocese under my leadership has endorsed the PDP guber candidate for the March 11 election is nothing but outright falsehood. No such endorsement has taken place and none is being considered.
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“The Church has left its doors open to all participants in the 2023 electioneering season to come sell their programmes to the people of God. We have maintained this informed position since the beginning of the campaigns because the Church cannot as a true Mother embrace one or few of its children and throw the others into the cold. We have welcomed everyone into our fold while allowing the voters the freedom to make the ultimate choice at the polls.”
Bishop Echema said the church greatly respects every politician and all other individuals involved in public service but as an institution, it understands that the power to choose leaders in a democratic society lies entirely with the people.
He further said, “While admitting that the Church can guide the decision of the voters within its fold at very critical points, it must be emphasised that in making that decision, the Church is essentially concerned with the personal attributes of the leaders and their vision for the society. Membership of any group or society has never formed the basis of the Church’s approval or disapproval of any political leader.
“As we prepare for the election of a governor and members of the state House of Assembly this Saturday, March 11, I would begin by admonishing the politicians to be mindful of their utterances and actions. I enjoin them to eschew violent languages and whatever can lead to social unrest considering how fragile public emotions are at this time. Politics must be played with decency and the fear of God. It must be reiterated that whoever embraces violence and deceit in political pursuits cannot be motivated by a sense of service to the people.
“I would also encourage Church leaders within the diocese to refrain from actions and utterances capable of bringing the Church into disrepute and public ridicule. The Mother Church towers above partisanship and whoever seeks to use his office in pursuit of partisan considerations must immediately retrace his steps.”
Echema advised the Abia electorate to look objectively at the candidates, their programmes and how their agenda match their expectations of the kind of state they wish to live in.
“I encourage you to refrain from religious and clannish considerations but to make a bold choice of leaders you can be proud of. Remember you would be held accountable at some point for every choice you make, including the ones you would make at the ballots on March 11, 2023. Be certain it is something you and your family can be proud of.
“While I continue to pray for peaceful and credible elections across Abia this Saturday, I enjoin you to feel free to wisely exercise your democratic right to choose your leaders in an orderly and peaceful manner. I wish you all a peaceful process and God’s guidance as you vote,” he added.
