By Chigozie Chukwuleta
A cleric, Rev. Fr. Peter Uzoezie, Parish Priest of St. Francis Catholic Parish, Enugwu-Ukwu, has called on politicians to refrain from using politics to divide society.
The priest stated that politics is meant to build society for the common good of all citizens, irrespective of social status, religious affiliation, or political alignment.
Fr Uzoezie made the call on Sunday in Enugwu-Ukwu, a community in Njikoka Local Government Area, Anambra State, during a thanksgiving service by Mr. Emeka Ozumba.
Mr Ozumba had contested the State Assembly primary election under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and lost to Mr. Chidi Ibeamaka, the incumbent representing Njikoka 1 State Constituency.
He charged the public not to allow themselves to be negatively influenced by politicians who maintain personal relationships after elections yet create a false impression of enmity between opponents, leading their supporters to fight each other.
The Priest commended Ibeamaka for attending Ozumba’s thanksgiving service after defeating him in the APGA state assembly primary, even without an invitation describing the gesture as worthy of emulation by other politicians.
“There are no reasons to hold bitterness against each other in anything in life. Note that a seat will be taken by one person at a time. This is political maturity at play and a huge spirit of sportsmanship on display. Politicians across the country should emulate this humility,” he added.
He also warned the faithful to shun politics of bitterness and gave a stern warning that the church would not be drawn into partisan strife.
Instead, he advised the people to remain politically active by participating conscientiously.
Uzoezie urged the public to reject the ideology of a one-party system and warned politicians to unite the nation rather than act as a cancer to the system calling for an open political system where inclusiveness thrives.
Responding, the state lawmaker, Ibeamaka, said he heard about Ozumba’s thanksgiving after losing the primary to him and was moved to attend in solidarity.
Ibeamaka said he holds Ozumba in high esteem and respect, noting that Ozumba had been in politics before him. He prayed for true unity between them as they prepare for the main election.
The family members of late Chief Mabel Okeke-Aru, mother of Mrs. Jane Oraka, Zonal Manager of News Agency of Nigeria Port Harcourt, attended an outing service after burying their mother on May 29 at the age of 81 years.
Highlights of the thanksgiving-packed service include group photograph with priests, supporters and guests of both families.
