OGWASHI-UKU/Nigeria: The Chairman of Aniocha Peoples Voice Association (APVA), Pastor Mike Osume, said godfatherism in politics does not lead to good governance.
Pastor Osume, who made the remarks in a chat with newsmen at Ogwashi-Uku, called on Aniocha people interested in political positions to fight for their position alone and never depend on political godfathers.
According to him, political godfathers would derail them from their dreams of attracting development to their areas, because of what he termed ‘unnecessary demands’.
He said that any candidate projected by godfathers would end up becoming a slave in the hands of their godfathers, adding that the major duty of godfathers was to stop them from their original political focus, describing the situation as unfortunate.
Pastor Osume said that the era where godfathers and imposition of candidates in Aniocha politics was over, stating that many people had got awareness on the sharp practices of godfathers.
He said many people vote for wrong candidates because of ignorance and in most cases poverty, saying that electorates should not elect candidates because of little financial gift they will receive from them, opining that such gift does not lead to good governance.
Osume called on the electorates to give support to only credible candidates, that had the fear of God.
He said the association was fully registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission and that its major objectives were to foster peace and progress among Aniocha people, stand with government to bring about development and empowerments to the communities, help the less privileged in the areas and empower Aniocha youths with skills acquisition.
Pastor Osume, who is also the founder of the association, called on politicians to see election as a game and not as a battle, adding that they should not take it as a do or die affair.
While saying that they should win or lose gallantly, he said that the idea where people kill themselves because of politics was uncalled for, adding that there was more life to live even outside politics.
The APVA chairman appealed to Aniocha youths never to allow themselves to be used as political thugs, reminding them that they had a future to protect as the leaders of tomorrow.
He said that youths should not waste their lives and time on unprofitable ventures, but rather be involved in meaningful programs that would enable them contributed to the development of their communities and the nation in general.
