Ahead of Anambra state governorship election, the Bishop of Nnewi diocese of the Anglican Communion, Professor Godwin Opara has warned politicians in Anambra state against using youths as tools to perpetuate political vices such as thuggery to enforce the choice of any candidate against the wish of the people.
Bishop Opara spoke to Channels Television after a close-door meeting with the APC governorship candidate, Senator Chris Ngige, while on a visit to the Bishops’ court in Nnewi.
Senator Ngige also addressed residents in the area, asking them to vote for the party in the November 16th elections.
The APC flagbearer for the state governorship election coming up next month was governor of Anambra state from 29 May 2003 to 17 March 2006 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).In April 2011,Ngige was elected Senator for Anambra Central Constituency.
In 2003, he was elected governor of Anambra State in controversial circumstances. He quickly broke ranks with his political godfather, Chris Uba, brother of Andy Uba, after an unsuccessful attempt on 10 July 2003 to have him removed from office, through a fabricated letter of resignation which the state assembly accepted.
However, in August 2005, an election Tribunal led by Justice Nabaruma nullified Ngige’s 2003 victory. He appealed to the Court of Appeal, but the annulment was confirmed on 15 March 2006, in a judgment awarding victory to Peter Obi of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA).
No further appeals were possible, and Ngige accepted the judgment in good grace, calling on the people of Anambra to give their total support to his successor.
Following Peter Obi’s subsequent impeachment, Ngige attempted to participate in state governorship elections in April 2007, but was fruitless.
In the final event, Obi’s impeachment was overturned and he served out his four years tenure.