Nigerians are Largely Corrupt at the top-Bishop Umunna
Bishop (Prof.) Leonard Nwoama Umunna is the presiding Bishop and General Overseer of Bible Life Church Cathedral International and popularly known as’ a Father of Church Drama in Nigeria’. He is one of the renowned clergies that speak with integrity without fear of political or religious intimidation. The only Ajegunle clergy that knows the value of the media to the core. In the last Bonanza night watch, Bishop Umunna said Nigeria would not divide in 2015 and the world would congratulate Nigeria which has manifested through President Goodluck Jonathan by conceding victory to General Mohammadu Buhari(Rtd) on the just concluded Presidential elections. In this interview with Angela Ekpene-Umunna at his palatial office, he says voters should vote for their conscience not party and other issues affecting the country’s leadership.
Excepts:
Sir, what is your view towards the last Presidential elections in Nigeria?
Early this year, I told all the media that Nigeria would be congratulated and God has used President Goodluck Jonathan to promote peace and sustain the unity of Nigeria. You can see how he dismantled Boko Haram over night. President Jonathan met well for Nigeria. He was able to overcome the prediction that Nigeria would break in 2015.He has fulfilled his biblical assignment to the country and nothing more.
Can you say Prof Jega conduct transparent elections in Nigeria?
Some accused Prof Jega of comprise, ethnicity, sectional and tribalism but he might have his stake in a particular political party but some of the flaws could be caused by some of the INEC officials and otherwise. The fact is that Nigerian voters are wiser than the politicians. Politics is changing hands in Nigeria. Whether we liked it or not President Goodluck Jonathan is a hero to have accepted victory like that through God’s will. We want leaders of conscience not party.
How do you see the incoming Administration of Mohammadu Buhari?
God has not told me about Buhari’s administration but the will of the people have been spoken through the votes on March 28.We must pray for successful transition of President Goodluck Jonathan to Buhari.Since we have been clamouring for change and the change has come and Buhari must not failed the electorates.
The Oba of Lagos statement has drew wide criticisms around the globe, what is your stake on this?
Nigerians are gradually embracing democracy, so I don’t see Oba of Lagos, Akiolu as a threat to Igbos in the state. All these shown the desperation of power by a political party.50 years in Lagos, I have seen the economic vibration of the Igbos in Lagos. Politics should not divide us for Christ’s sake. He must retrace his step and allow peace to reign in the state. Igbo has contributed to the economy of Lagos State over the years.
Can you say the massive defection of PDP members to APC would affect the former?
It is time for PDP to form a coalition that can defeat APC in the nearest future and strategise on how to make the party stronger.APC started with progressive minds but with the crops of PDP defecting to APC indicated that the party will face another electorate failure if anything to go by.Buhari must desire for change because every Nigerian on the street is looking towards change.Buhari must appoint ministers and staffers that have spirit of good governance and nothing more.
Do you see the social media helping the voters to know their fate in politics?
The social media must be commendable in all ramifications. Though, the advent of social media also makes many students not to take their studies seriously. But the social media played a vital role in the Presidential / National Assembly elections and the Governorship/State Assemblies elections would not be left out. Nigerians are voting for conscience not party. Nobody is afraid of Oba of Lagos’s threat but Lagosians are coming en mass to vote for their choice. President Goodluck Jonathan has left a legacy behind in Nigeria and the outside world.
What do you expect from Buhari’s administration after the transition on May 29th, 2015?
He should look into education; improve on the economy and corruption. He must fulfil his manifestoes he promised Nigerians while campaigning. Nigerians no longer tolerate stories than putting it into fruition. He should also improve on creativity of Nigerians and other salient issues that the outgoing administration could not fulfil.
Lastly, what is your advice for Nigerian politicians?
Nigeria needs peace and unity to sustain the development of the country. Politicians must not conscript voters to vote for them than their conscience. Nigeria is bigger than any individual. The will of the people must be respected in all climes. Our vote is our right to political power.