End divisive, ethnic-based politics, cleric urges politicians

A cleric, Rev. Samuel Ogwo, has admonished Nigerian politicians to desist from promoting divisive and ethnic politics.

Ogwo, who leads the School of Universal Law at Christ Light Chapel International, made this appeal while speaking to journalists in Port Harcourt on Sunday.

The cleric stated, “We must understand that Nigeria will not disintegrate. Rather than break up, the country has the potential to become one of the greatest nations in the world.”

He noted that those concerned about the protests across the country against hunger and hardship should remain calm, assuring that Nigeria will recover and avoid the threat of disintegration.

“The current turbulence is merely a preparation for future greatness. What is happening today is a precursor to better days ahead. However, the major issue is that Nigerian leaders are not yet ready for what Nigeria is destined to become.

“We are burdened with corrupt and inept leaders who do not care about the plight of the common man. In the civilised world, where democratic values are cherished, the well-being of ordinary people is prioritised, and the freedom of citizens is sacrosanct.

“In those countries, governments ensure the welfare of the people by providing basic needs, particularly security, shelter, and food.”

Ogwo criticised the approach of the Federal Government during protests against bad governance, describing the assault on peaceful protesters as unacceptable and undemocratic.

He expressed surprise that the police and other security forces were shooting at protesters who were expressing their anger over the hardship ravaging the country, saying,
“The person you are shooting could be your brother, sister, or relative.”

Ogwo declared, “The different ethnic groups in Nigeria share one humanity. Whether they are Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba, or Ijaw, they are one people. If we understand this, we will allow everyone to have their place within the political system.

“This is crucial because we need each other to build a peaceful and prosperous nation. Unfortunately, what we have seen is a situation where one or two tribes have monopolised political power to the detriment of others.

“Before independence, figures like the late Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe exemplified true nationalism and a detribalised Nigerian identity. His influence transcended ethnic boundaries, and he won elections in the Western Region.”

The cleric stressed that Nigeria is a secular nation, meaning it does not have a state religion.

He acknowledged that different religious groups have strengths and weaknesses, but asserted that Christ promised all religions would eventually unite under Christianity with one shepherd.

“If the crises we are witnessing today did not occur, we would not reach that point of fusion. When bad things or hard times come upon us, we should know that good things are on the way. The bad times clear the path for the good to manifest,” he said.

He remarked that even the rigid stance of the Federal Government against those demanding good governance may indicate that the nation is entering a new phase in its religious life.

Ogwo, however, condemned the actions of protesters in some northern states who carried Russian flags, as if seeking a foreign takeover.

He also commended the Igbo community for abstaining from the protests, noting that if they had participated, they might have been accused of instigating violence.

“Today, Mr Peter Obi stands tall because he was already accused of sponsoring the protests even before they began. Now that the Igbo have refused to protest, people like Bayo Onanuga, who falsely alleged that Obi was behind the protesters, should face trial for defamation,” he added.

He stressed that Nigerians should pray for a God-fearing leader who will support the unity of all the country’s diverse groups, noting that where genuine love exists, no one would wish to harm another.