Father Alia, Pastor Eno: From The Church To Governance…
Written by City Radio on March 21, 2023
Apparently, gone were the days when religious leaders perceive Nigerian politics as a “dirty game”. Today, clergymen seem to be tired of preaching “change” to politicians from the pulpits and want to enforce the change they desire themselves through active political involvement.
This is so because, among many unprecedented developments that the 2023 general elections heralded, the rise of clergymen who temporarily dumped their cassocks on the pulpits to run for different elective offices stands out. Legally, all eligible Nigerians can vote and be voted for, according to Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution.
While Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia won in Benue State, Pastor Umo Eno won in Akwa Ibom State.
The entry of clergymen into politics is not entirely new in Nigerian politics. Before Fr Alia and Pastor Eno, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, a law professor and senior advocate, is a pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). Also, Senator Remi, the wife of the President-Elect, Bola Tinubu, is an ordained pastor with the same church. There are a few others.
With their inauguration slated for May 29, 2023, all eyes are on Fr Alia and Pastor Eno to fulfil their campaign promises and not conform to the intractable corrupt system that has characterised governance.
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