Posted by By MOSHOOD ADEBAYO, Abeokuta on
It was a damning verdict from the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most. Rt. Rev. Peter Akinola, who did an x-ray of the last general elections and concluded that all political parties rigged during the nationally- acclaimed flawed Aprils elections.
•As Daniel marks 52nd birthday
It was a damning verdict from the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most. Rt. Rev. Peter Akinola, who did an x-ray of the last general elections and concluded that all political parties rigged during the nationally- acclaimed flawed Aprils elections.
The Anglican Bishop spoke yesterday during a sermon to mark the Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel's 52nd birthday anniversary which held at the Valley View Government House, Oke-Igbein, Abeokuta.
The cleric also appealed to all Nigerians, especially politicians, to resolve to collectively fight what he refers to as 'three monsters": corruption, electoral violence and bad governance which, he said, had been militating against Nigeria's progress.
Akinola, who spoke in the presence of the ruling Peoples Democratic Parties (PDP) chieftains and traditional rulers, including the Alake of Egba Egbaland, Oba Aremu Adedotun Gbadebo, said: 'If really the motive of the politicians is to serve the country, then they should not see elections as do-or-die affair. All parties rig elections. If really they want to serve the people, why the electoral violence?" he asked rhetorically.
His words: 'For us in this country, politicians, traditional rulers and all citizens, to overcome monsters, giants, and Goliaths, we must all resolve to fight them headlong. Election must not be a do-or-die affair. If really the politicians have genuine intention of serving the country, why do they engage in election fraud, why the election violence?"
According to the cleric: 'Until Nigerians resolve that they want free and just country where elections are not seen as do-or-die affair, we won't make progress as a nation."
Akinola urged politicians to appeal to their conscience and resolve to make Nigeria a stable country. His words: 'The time has come for us to resolve that we want corrupt-free country."
The clergyman commended Daniel for 'excellent performance in office" but urged him to work with others as a tree cannot make a forest.
He also advised the governor and all politicians to depend on God for direction in their affairs, saying, 'Bad governance would be fought in the country if we depend on God". The Anglican Bishop recalled that the Biblical David overcame Goliath because he depended on God.
He commended the celebrant for this monumental achievements which, he said, had made the state the toast of others among federating units.
According to him, the administration of Daniel had not only enhanced the develeopment of the state through construction of roads, houses and education, but it has also added value to the lives of the people. He noted with delight that the Urban Renewal programmes of Daniel had brought new development to the state capital and other areas of the state.
The Primate however charged politicians, traditional rulers t o work together towards enhancing justice and equity in the country to make it a greater one. Akinola enjoined Governor Daniel to focus on God as the author and finsiher of his faith. In his congratulatory message, President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua whose message was read by the Minister of Mines and Steel Development , Alhaji Tunji Sarafa Ishola explained that it was uncommon for him to send messages to people on their birthdays but sent one to Daniel 'because of the utmost respect" he has for the Governor.
He commended Governor for his laudable programmes which he said had impacted positively on the people of the state and added that through his good works, Daniel had lifted the state and the nation.