…Says, Cleric Owes Nigeria and Apology
Destiny Ugorji
Human Rights Advocate and Constitutional Lawyer, Chief Malcolm Emokiniovo Omirhobo has condemned what he described as reckless, ungodly, and irresponsible, statements credited to Elijah Ayodele against the Igbo race.
In a statement he personally signed and made available to newsmen, Omirhobo argued that the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria “forbids discrimination on the basis of ethnicity”.
The statement reads in part:
“My attention has been drawn to the recent inflammatory remarks credited to Pastor Ayodele, wherein he claimed that “The Igbos are the problem of Nigeria,” that they are “desperate for power,” and that “a curse” allegedly prevents them from producing a President unless it is “reversed.”
“Such reckless, hateful, and constitutionally ignorant statements are unacceptable from anyone much less a religious leader who ought to promote peace, unity, and national cohesion.”
“Nigeria is a constitutional democracy, not a spiritual monarchy guided by the personal prophecies of any individual. The 1999 Constitution (as amended): Guarantees the equality of all citizens (Section 17). Forbids discrimination on the basis of ethnicity (Section 42). Affirms that sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria, not to prophets, pastors, or spiritual gatekeepers (Section 14(2)(a)). Leadership in Nigeria is determined by constitutional qualification, democratic choice, and the will of the electorate – not by curses, ethnic profiling, or prophetic politics.”
Continuing, he warned that “to brand an entire ethnic group as a “problem” is nothing but hate speech. To claim they are “cursed” is both irresponsible and dangerous. To suggest that Igbos cannot lead Nigeria is a direct assault on our national unity and an insult to millions of hardworking, patriotic Igbo citizens who continue to contribute immensely to the country’s social, economic, educational, and technological progress. Nigeria has suffered enough from divisive rhetoric. The last thing we need is a pastor pouring petrol on the fragile ethnic fabric holding this country together.”
“Pastor Ayodele’s remarks are unbiblical, unconstitutional, incendiary, and morally reprehensible. He owes the Igbo people and indeed the entire nation an unreserved apology. Religious leaders must be reminded that their platforms are not instruments for political manipulation, ethnic stigmatisation, or psychological intimidation.”
“Nigeria belongs to all of us Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa, Ijaw, Tiv, Urhobo, Kanuri, Itsekiri, Efik, Ibibio, and every other ethnic group. No one is cursed. No group is superior. And no prophet has the authority to rewrite the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
He called on Nigerians to “resist, condemn, and reject divisive utterances from any quarter. The future of Nigeria depends on justice, inclusiveness, and respect for the dignity of every citizen nothing less.”