UMUAHIA/Nigeria: The Abia State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly criticized what it describes as an “improper, unwarranted, and unacceptable” attack by the state governor, Alex Otti, on the leadership of the Anglican Church of Aba Diocese.
The opposition party’s reaction comes in response to the governor’s administration’s response to advice from the church, which was contained in a communique issued after its 17th Synod.
The Anglican Church of Aba Diocese had advised the government to prioritize the repair of economic roads in Aba and refrain from terminating the employment of civil servants in the state civil service. In the face of this advice, the Abia PDP has called on the Alex Otti-led government to issue a public apology to the Synod and the congregation of the Anglican Diocese of Aba for casting doubt on the integrity of their Bishops.
According to a statement signed by the PDP Vice Chairman/Acting State Publicity Secretary, Hon. Elder Abraham Amah, the government’s response displayed a flagrant show of intolerance by introducing a politically divisive angle to the situation. The statement highlights that the most insulting aspect of the governor’s response was his assertion that only one individual influenced the communique signed by multiple Bishops during the Synod, questioning their independence.
The PDP statement further expressed disappointment in the governor’s response, labeling it as an attack on honest advice from the Anglican Church. It emphasized the need to address issues such as the dismissal of civil servants and the neglected economic roads in Aba. The statement questioned whether the governor had fulfilled his promises regarding these matters, especially given his initial political capital gained from inspecting these roads with Julius Berger immediately after being declared governor-elect.
The statement also accused the governor of disregarding due process, citing instances where he suspended Permanent Secretaries without issuing queries or paying their salaries, and manipulating the Abia State House of Assembly. It also raised concerns about road contracts awarded without adhering to procurement rules and the lack of transparency regarding a pensioner medical scheme.
Elder Amah emphasized the role of the Church as the moral conscience of society and its duty to hold those in power accountable. The statement pointed out that previous administrations faced criticism from the Church, but not in the manner exhibited by Governor Alex Otti.
In conclusion, the Abia PDP demanded an apology from the governor to the Anglican Church while urging Abia residents to remain vigilant in safeguarding democracy and preventing authoritarianism. The statement stressed the importance of stopping any drift towards an authoritarian regime, asserting that “our democracy is not negotiable.”
