Anambra Stampede: CAN Bans Political Campaigns in Churches in South-East, Faults Obi’s Panel

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Ignatius Okpara, Latest Headlines, News Monday, November 4th, 2013

Ignatius Okpara, Enugu

The southeast zonal chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has banned political campaigns in churches across the zone.

Gov Peter Obi of Anambra south-east Nigeria

Besides, the Christian umbrella body in the area has also asked the Federal Government to immediately set up a panel of inquiry to investigate the remote causes of the incident that happened last Saturday at a prayer ground in Anambra state, where about 28 persons lost their lives in a stampede.

It noted that the inquiry panel set up by Governor Peter Obi of Anambra was wrong, as the governor cannot be a judge in his own case.

Chairman of CAN in South East and the Bishop of Enugu Anglican Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Chukwuma who handed down the order Monday while reacting to the Uke, Anambra unfortunate incident, said CAN is becoming worried on how politicians come inside churches to campaign which he said, has fast become a menace.

Chukwuma stated that the tragic incident in Anambra is of great concern to CAN, adding that they sympathize with the relatives of the victims.

“It is my own duty as CAN chairman south east to ban all politicians from attending our churches with their political teams for campaigns. The church should also stay clear of partisan politics because there are different kinds of people in the church that belong to different political parties.

“So it’s wrong to come into the church and begin to talk about manifestos and begin to campaign. It is not going to be acceptable any more because it causes commotion and disrespect to one another.

“We appeal to priests, pastors, Bishops, clergymen to please avoid politicians coming to use churches as campaign arena. This does not augur well for our spiritual growth.

“We therefore urge the Federal government to set up investigation panel to find out what actually happened because we feel very much worried. Since the state government is involved, I think there should a neutral body for the investigation.”

The southeast CAN leader, also noted that the way things are going in Anambra state is worrisome and urged the people of the state not to allow themselves to be bought over by moneybags.

“They should be very clear on who they want as governors in the state and the wish of God should be upheld. So we hereby appeal to politicians to stay clear of our churches so that peace can reign and people be allowed to vote for candidates of their choice. The mandate of the people must be respected in the coming election,” the Bishop declared.