By Valentine Amanze, Online Editor
A non-partisan group, the Academic Frontier Initiative (AFI), has warned religious leaders against partisan politics during the forthcoming governorship election in Anambra State.
The group regretted that some religious leaders meddle into politics, which, according to it, “is a misnomer and political interference.”
The AFI National Coordinator, Dr. Chinedu Onyeizugbe, who spoke in Awka, alleged that some church leaders persuade members to vote a particular candidate because of their selfish interest.
Onyeizugbe described the role of religious leaders as sacrosanct in society, advising the spiritual fathers to limit their participation to encouraging their members to vote according to their consciences.
The national coordinator said, “You cannot underestimate the important role religious leaders play, especially in shaping thoughts. It’s actually difficult to separate politics and religion, but we can separate politics and partisan politics.
“It is sad that some of these church leaders play biased role when election is around the corner. It’s disappointing and must not be encouraged. I have seen cases where religious leaders endorsed candidates, thereby, influencing the voting pattern of their congregations.
“Let them not involve themselves in active politics, rather, they should encourage members to vote according to their consciences.
“We will not want interference of any religious leader in the Anambra State gubernatorial election, come November 2021″.
Onyeizugbe, who is an Associate Professor in the Department of Business Administration, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, also lamented the decay of infrastructure in Anambra, while remarking that the state needs eminently qualified person with demonstrable leadership records to salvage the state from total collapse.
He warned against money-bags polluting the political space, and urged Anambrarians to shun vote selling by ensuring they vote for the candidate of their choice.
He also disclosed that the group would be embarking on second round of engagements with various aspirants and stakeholders, while harping on the need for scholars to become more involved in politics and politicking in Nigeria. At least, no fewer than 15 persons from various political parties have expressed their interests in vying for the number one seat in Anambra State in November 2021.
