THE Awka Diocese of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has expressed concern over what it calls the prevailing perception of politics as a competitive private business venture by many Nigerian politicians, noting that it is for that reason that election into political offices has remained a thorny issue since independence in 1960.

In a resolution at the end of its synod at St. Peter’s Church, Agulu in Anaocha Local Government Area, the church frowned at a situation whereby some politicians rely on manipulating the religious, ethnic and parochial sentiments of the electorate, including inducing them with material gifts, in order to satisfy selfish interests.

It, however, commended President Goodluck Jonathan for striving to sanitise the electoral system with the appointment of Prof Attahiru Jega as the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

It hoped the appointment would lead to free and fair elections in Nigeria.