2023 Polls: Anglican Communion Kicks, Rejects Muslim/Muslim Ticket
- Warns of danger to Nigeria’s peace, security, and unity
BY UBON EKANEM, CALABAR – The Anglican Communion, Calabar Diocese says for daring to adopt the Muslim/Muslim ticket for the 2023 presidential election against all sound arguments, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its Presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu have clearly demonstrated they do not wish the country and its citizens well.
According to the Bishop of Anglican Communion, Calabar Diocese, Rt, Reverend Professor Nneoyi Egbe, nursing the idea and eventually promoting whatever monopolistic religious ticket is in itself satanic and regrettably endangers Nigeria’s peace, security, and unity
He said it is unfortunate that at this period when the country is going through so many challenges, the so-called national party can thoughtlessly decide to ignore the secularity of the country as provided for in the constitution and settle for a ticket combination that tends to promote underpinnings of insensitivity and religious antagonism
Reverend Egbe, who addressed the media on burning national issues in Calabar, the Cross River State, said with all the happenings in the country, the Christian Faith cannot standby and accept some skewed arrangements, be it a Muslim-Muslim or a Christian-Christian ticket, presented by any party for next year’s general election.
The Clergy warned that any party attempting such pairing should be ready to incur the people’s wrath for daring to toy with the provisions of the 1999 constitution as amended.
Arguing that there are no tenable excuses by any candidate that ignores the religious sensibilities of Nigerians, Reverend Egbe said such brashness would give a green light for future marginalisation of certain faiths and religious sects which is against the spirit and letter of the constitution.
Offering solutions to the growing security challenges in the country, the cleric said the State Police presents an immediate answer, as opposed to agitations by some state governors for their people to bear arms.
Prof Egbe, who also spoke on areas of concern to the Church in Cross River State, expressed sadness over the deplorable conditions of rural roads and appealed to Governor Ben Ayade-led administration to explore avenues that would bring back the past glory the State was noted for.
He further lamented that Nigerians are going through hardship and sufferings with the prices of food items skyrocketing daily and completely putting the common man at a serious disadvantage.
The clergyman, who is a University Lecturer, also expressed displeasure over the insensitivity of the nation’s political leaders as demonstrated in their deliberate and continuous decision-making that is detrimental to the welfare of the very people they claim to govern.
Similarly, he also frowned at the docile nature of the citizenry who, over the years, have demonstrated apathy towards important and sensitive issues that negatively affect their well-being and militate against their socio-economic growth and development.
