By Our Correspondent
The Anglican Bishop of the Diocese of Amichi, Rt. Rev. Ephraim Ikeakor, has lambasted Nigerian political leaders, describing them as “looters in disguise” who prioritize their personal interests over the welfare of the masses.
According to Bishop Ikeakor, the masses should not expect any positive change in governance from these politicians, as they have no regard for the people they lead.
He also described many Nigerian leaders as “non-career politicians” who lack clear-cut political ideology, except to serve their personal interests.
Speaking at the Immanuel Church Akwihedi, Nnewi South Local Government Area, Anambra State, during a pre-Synod press briefing, Bishop Ikeakor condemned the rate and frequency at which politicians are defecting from one party to another, particularly to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“That shows they are there for business and their only interest is to grab power to loot against the provision of dividends of democracy for the people who voted them to power,” he added.
The Bishop queried why politicians would defect to a party that has “inflicted pains on Nigerians” and described the defectors’ campaign for continuity barely two years into a four-year tenure as “stupidity in the highest order.”
“We have businessmen in politics in Nigeria, we don’t have career politicians, we have politicians without political ideology in Nigeria,” he said. “It is unfortunate that we have looters whom we the masses mistake for political leaders in Nigeria.”
Bishop Ikeakor further lamented the state of Nigerian politics, saying, “Campaigning now portends foolishness and lack of seriousness on our political leaders, it means taking the citizens for granted. It is foolishness and insensitivity of leadership to the sufferings of the citizens.”
He expressed concern about the direction of the country under the present administration, saying, “Nigeria under the present administration is directionless. As a person, I don’t know where we are heading for, and we have politicians who don’t care about the masses.”
The Bishop also criticized the National Assembly, describing its members as “the most callous Nigerians.”
He prayed that God would turn the hearts of Nigerian leaders and questioned the morality of politicians who are already campaigning for re-election barely two years into their first term.
On the issue of politicians flocking into one party, Bishop Ikeakor said, “You should not be surprised. You will only be surprised if you don’t understand Nigerian politics. We don’t have career politicians, we have businessmen politicians.”
He highlighted the lack of political ideology in Nigeria, saying, “Let me tell you one of the critical qualifications of a sound politician is ideology. Can you tell me the political ideology of any political party or politician in this country? They don’t have any ideology.”
The Bishop said the defections and endorsements were not surprising, given the nature of Nigerian politics, where politicians prioritize looting and corruption over the welfare of the masses.
