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…Condemns electoral fraud, demolitions in Anambra
From David Onwuchekwa, Nnewi
Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Anglican Communion, Rt. Revd. Ndubisi Obi, has condemned the alleged diversion of local government funds by some state governors, describing the practice as criminality and a denial of democratic dividends to Nigerians at the grassroots.
Bishop Obi made the remarks in his 2026 Diocesan Synod address delivered at St. Mark’s Anglican Church, Nnewichi, Nnewi, Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra, State, yesterday.
Commenting on the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Bishop identified the proposed direct allocation of local government funds from the Federation Account to the 774 local government areas and the move toward State Police as two major developments worthy of commendation.
He, however, expressed concern that some governors allegedly prevent local government chairmen from having control of funds allocated to their councils.
“Unfortunately, some wicked governors will not allow this beautiful policy to see the light of day,” he said, alleging that some governors direct local government chairmen to transfer the bulk of council funds to state governments while leaving them with only a small amount to administer their councils.
According to him, the situation is worsened by the fact that local government chairmen are often appointed rather than elected by the people.
He called for the restoration of genuine democracy at the grassroots, arguing that elected local government chairmen would be more accountable to the people and less likely to surrender council funds to state governments.
“This nonsense must stop in our time,” the Bishop declared.
On elections, Bishop Obi warned against electoral malpractice, urging Nigerians involved in the conduct of elections to ensure that votes are properly counted, recorded and collated at designated centres.
He specifically condemned the practice of allegedly altering election figures or writing election results from private residences or hotel rooms.
The Bishop warned that anyone who deliberately undermines the will of voters through electoral fraud would face God’s judgment.
“This is not a threat; it is a promise,” he said, advising those unwilling to conduct elections fairly not to volunteer as electoral officials.
Bishop Obi also commended the Federal Government for efforts that have resulted in the rescue and release of Nigerians held captive by bandits and other criminal elements.
He appealed to President Tinubu not to relent, noting that many innocent Nigerians remained in captivity.
The Bishop urged the Federal Government to deploy every legitimate means necessary to secure the release of those still being held and reunite them with their families.
Turning to Anambra State, Bishop Obi congratulated Governor Charles Soludo on the commencement of his second tenure and prayed that he would successfully complete his administration “to the glory of God.”
He commended the state government’s road construction and expansion projects, saying movement from one part of the state to another had become easier because of the improved road network.
He, however, appealed to the governor to expedite the completion of ongoing road projects and pay particular attention to neglected roads in and around Nnewi.
The Bishop also raised concerns over demolition exercises being carried out by the state government, urging the authorities to ensure that affected property owners were treated fairly.
According to him, the frontage of the Bishop’s Court, Nnewi Diocese; the frontage of St. Andrew’s DCC, Nnewi; and art of the Pentecost Microfinance Bank building belonging to the Diocese were affected by the demolition exercise.
He appealed to the Anambra State Government to ensure that adequate compensation was paid to owners of demolished properties to enable them restore affected structures and continue providing services to the public.
Bishop Obi said the state government’s development projects should be pursued in a manner that protects citizens from victimisation while promoting the overall interest of the people.
