By Vincent Ujumadu
AWKA — THE Angli-can Bishop of Amichi Diocese in Anambra State, Rt. Rev. Ephraim Ikeakor, has accused Nigerian politicians seeking re-election in 2011 of deliberately fooling the people.

According to him, most of the politicians currently traversing their constituencies for votes have not made any positive impact in the lives of their constituents since the last election.

The cleric, who spoke during the ordination of priests of the Diocese at Ekwulumili in Nnewi South local government area, reminded them that most Nigerians had become wiser, adding that they would definitely reject those politicians who had taken them for granted over the years.

“How many of these politicians have made the desired impact in their constituencies?  How many of them used the constituency funds given them to impact  the lives of their people positively and now they want to be returned to continue their selfish acquisition of money?

Nigerian politicians hoping to rig themselves into office again should jettison the idea because they will be disappointed since it will not be business as usual in 2011 election.

“For the electorate, I think the time has come for us to change our mentality. The idea of receiving N1,000 or N5,000 and the person sells his destiny and generation has to stop,” he said.

“If I may borrow the slang of NAFDAC, it is time the electorate shine their eyes. Let all men and women who have the interest of the country at heart put these politicians on their toes.

“I want to tell them that though it may not be 100 per cent free, but votes must count in 2011. I am happy that the judiciary is doing wonderfully well in nullifying the kangaroo elections of the past,” the Bishop said.

According to him, if the politicians and the electorate play their roles well, things will start to be better for the country from 2011.

He advised that politicians seeking for second term mandate should sit up, while those seeking fresh mandate should articulate meaningful, realistic manifestoes and not promises because the people will hold them responsible if they failed to perform.