ON BISHOP OKONKWO’S THOUGHTS

Bishop Okonkwo’s interview with Sam Eyoboka on Sunday Vanguard, 22nd June 2008, contained statements that evoked feelings of doubt as to whether he should not leave politics for those who are cut out for it and face the expounding of the scriptures. He jumped on shaky ropes and I hope he didn’t get thrown off balance. He called for the resignation of Prof. Iwu without offering a better alternative and telling us why he failed as well as what his successor should do to succeed. He advocated for the use of extraordinary force in the Niger Delta region by the Federal Government to dismantle and suppress the interest groups there. I expect that legitimate interest groups actually should build a firm political foundation for us. Forceful intimidation of the people who have clear ideas about their needs and expectations is the killer of our collective national aspirations. I hope the Bishop is asking for neither another Odi saga nor the incarceration of leaders of thought calling for change in the Niger Delta. He should ask for good roads, portable water, service-oriented hospitals and other development programmes or keep quiet and pray. With love in our hearts, we ought to go into the Niger Delta with the power to listen and act with compassion.