BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

OWERRI—Retired Bishop of Anglican Diocese of Mbaise, Rt. Rev. Bright Ogu, has cautioned politicians against making inflammatory remarks capable of inciting the citizenry against the government of the day.

Bishop Ogu, gave the warning while preaching the sermon during the thanksgiving service of the Bishop of Anglican Diocese of Egbu, Rt. Rev. Geoffrey Okorafor, at Saint Mary’s Anglican Church, Umuokoro, Eziama,Imo State.

“It is sad that some politicians take joy in making inflammatory remarks that are not only against the government of the day, but which can equally spark off serious crisis in the country.

“Inflammatory remarks amount to destructive politics. It is an ill-wind that will blow no one any good,” Bishop Ogu said.

While expressing regret that Nigerian politicians were already busy plotting how to rig the 2015 general elections, Bishop Ogu urged Nigerians to be very cautious of the antics of politicians.

He said:  “It is most regrettable that Nigerian politicians are already busy, plotting how to rig elections in 2015.

“I urge Nigerians to be cautious of their antics, while being very alert to over-turn inauspicious moves,” Bishop Ogu pleaded.

The cleric was particularly irked by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s letter to President Goodluck Jonathan and described it as “an indictment of himself”.

According to him, “Chief Obasanjo’s letter to President Jonathan is an indictment of himself; Chief Obasanjo is no doubt, guilty of the same offence.”

He recalled how the whole world celebrated Nelson Mandela because of what they saw in the late human rights activist and anti-apartheid crusader.

“We are all praying and hoping that African leaders would emulate the leadership qualities of the former South African leader,” Ogu said.

In his remarks, the celebrant, Bishop Okorafor, paid glowing tribute to his predecessor, Professor Emmanuel Iheagwam, for his pioneering efforts in the Diocese.
Some of the dignitaries that graced the event included the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Chief Emeka Ihedioha, the Chief Judge of Imo State, Hon. Justice Benjamin A. Njemanze, some members of the state and National Assembly, as well as the Chairman, Ngor Okpala Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Fred Nwachukwu.

High point of the event was the presentation of a Lexus Jeep to Bishop Okorafor by Justice Njemanze, on behalf of the Diocese of Egbu.