Pursue Power To Serve, Not For Selfish Gains — Onaiyekan

*Expresses Sadness Over Violence In Imo, Kogi, Bayelsa Polls

The Catholic Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, has expressed sadness over the rate of violence that occurred during yesterday’s off-cycle governorship elections in Imo, Kogi and Bayelsa states.

He said political power should not be a do-or-die affair, an investment or a war but a call to serve the people.

The former Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) president called for a change of attitude in Nigeria’s politics so that the nation could make realistic progress.

Onaiyekan spoke when prominent religious and political leaders gathered yesterday in Abuja for the celebration of the 60th birthday of the General Superintendent of Christ Holy Church International and CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh.

He said: “We are just going through the elections in Imo, Kogi and Bayelsa. You can see that there is war going on in the states.

“In my own state of Kogi, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) had to deploy 40,000 armed policemen to maintain peace. For what? It’s so that we can chose who will become our governor.

“If the governor was someone who presented himself to serve the people, there would be no need for all that. Why is there so much fight, struggle for position of leadership? It’s because it is being used to aggrandise people, to capture power, which is used for selfish interest instead of using the power to serve the common good.”

Drawing inferences between him and the celebrant, Onaiyekan said: “Okoh was my deputy when I was CAN president. We did not fight, not even during elections. Let me plead that leadership in Nigeria should be radically restructured in such a way that it is for service.

“To be a politician is not a war or an investment to spend millions upon millions so that when you get into power, you will recoup it. And the only way to get the money back is to steal from the public fund. There must be a change.

“We must change our concept of politics in Nigeria; otherwise, we will remain where we are.”

Dignitaries at the ceremony included former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon; the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye; the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III; and First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who was represented by the wife of the Senate President, Dame Uloma Ekaette Akpabio.

Others included ministers, governors, representatives of the diplomatic corps, and traditional rulers from Christian and Muslim communities.

Senator Tinubu prayed to God to continue to strengthen Okoh and grant him many more years in good health.

In a goodwill message, Pastor Adeboye told the celebrant: “Your journey may seem challenging at the moment, but God is going to lead you to great places.”

The cleric assured Archbishop Okoh of God’s promise to answer when he calls upon Him in times of trouble.

In his remarks, the celebrants said: “Personally, I am currently 60 years old. But if this is how 50 feels, I must admit that mentally, I feel more like 40. For now, let’s take pleasure in enjoying ourselves.”