The Bishop of Ughelli Diocese (Anglican Communion) Rt. Rev. Dr. Cyril Odutemu yesterday told President Muhammadu Buhari that the
deployment of warships, including fighter jets, to the Niger Delta will not stop the agitations in the region.
This is also as he declared that President Buhari and other politicians would face hurdles in the 2019 general elections.
Bishop Odutemu made the assertion during a service marking the centenary birthday of the Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom at Otor-Orere Olomu Kingdom, in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
Bishop Odutemu stated that the only way to manage the agitations was for the government and leaders in the country to stop oppression.
“The only thing that will stop it is for us to stop oppression. It is for us to practice what we are saying. It is for us to go back and take care of the poor. For us to go back and make the people to enjoy their resources”, he declared.
Bishop Odutemu also advised the youths in the Niger Delta region to stop the vandalization of oil pipelines and engage the government constructively with the power of their pen.
“It is your right to agitate. The power of the gun is nothing compared to the power of the pen. Let us use our biro. Let us stop destroying government properties in our land. Let us stop blowing up pipelines”, he said.
The cleric also stated that President Muhammadu Buhari and some Nigerian politicians may not smell the Government House in 2019 because their works were evil.
Bishop Odutemu said, “Some of you hearing me now, will not smell Government House in 2019
because your work is ‘Mene-Mene Teke-Uphasin’.
“Unless you repent and do
the right thing, including Buhari, including everybody. We are
watching you. 2019 will be tough. It will be more strict than 2015.
Our kings are hearing me. Do not use your palace to cover iniquity.
Tell them the right thing.”
Bishop Odutemu also warned that the Anglican Church may deny Governor Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa in the next election if he allowed his government to continue being deceived by “sycophants”.
In his words, “Our searchlight is on your government. We are watching and we don’t want you to be disappointed, neither the church be disappointed.
“Next election, people will cue out for you if you use the whole time to the glory of God. You will not need to campaign sir. Your work will campaign for you. But if your government is being deceived by
sycophants, some of us may deny you.
“I am begging you openly because I
told every Anglican in this diocese to vote for you trusting that you will not disappoint us and I know that you are not disappointing us.
“But I plead with you in the mercy of God, watch your agents. Watch those who help you to execute policies in your government. Instead of a stubborn goat to sink the ship, it is better to give the goat to the storm so that your ship will arrive safely. A word they say is enough for the wise.”
