Okorocha advises religious leaders to avoid politics

The Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has advised the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), religious leaders and other religious bodies in the country to try as much as they can to avoid dabbling into politics, adding that the linking of CAN to the alleged bribery money shared during the 2015 general election was not good for the association and the Christians in the country.


Governor Okorocha who spoke when the delegation of the Nigeria Pilgrims Commission led by the Executive Secretary, Mr. John Kennedy Opara visited him at the Government House Owerri, said the leadership of CAN and other religious bodies and their leaders should be apolitical especially during elections to enable them carry out their religious and spiritual responsibilities well and without suspicion from any quarters.

He also advised that the leadership of CAN should discourage its members from negative political involvements, actions and utterances that could heat up the polity .

“A situation where a religious leader or body favours one political party or candidate and campaigns against the other party or candidate is unacceptable. Such action does not encourage peace and unity among the adherents of the religious bodies and leaders.”

The governor urged the religious leaders and bodies in the country to concentrate more on their divine callings or ministries and always pray for the good of the nation and her people, offering pieces of advice when necessary.

He also promised to sponsor more youths to pilgrimage when the economic situation of the state and the nation improves.

Leader of the delegation, Mr Opara commended the governor for his people-oriented programme in the state including the free education programme.