By Matthew Don
The enthronement of the new Anglican Bishop of Owerri Diocese, Rt. Rev Chukwuma Chinekezi Oparah, was on Monday turned into a political rally ground as politicians seeking validation by the congregation and leadership of the church in Owerri Diocese turned up in their numbers to take advantage of the occasion and play politics.
Bishop Oparah was consecrated at the weekend in Abuja by the Primate of the All Nigeria Anglican Church, Most Rev Nicholas Okoh in the presence of hundreds of bishops across the country, other clergy, family and friends.
He returned on Sunday and was formally enthroned on Monday as the fourth Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Owerri, where he preached his first sermon/delivered his mission statement for the Diocese.
Some of the dignitaries during the Enthronement were the Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha, the governorship candidates of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Emeka Ihedioha, All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Ifeanyi Araraume and his running mate, Steve Nwoga among other politicians.
At the end of the service, the politicians tried to undo themselves by reaching out to the congregation as a way of soliciting their buy in .
The church in Imo State, particularly the Catholic and Anglican and other orthodox churches, is noted for huge influence in the way votes are cast and politician
s take advantage of every opportunity that the church provides. It is even worse now with the 2019 election remaining few months to be held.
The new Bishop admonished politicians to render service to the people in line with their promises instead of constantly reneging on their promises as God does not take such attitude kindly.