By Praise Chinecherem
The Convener, Recover Nigeria Project (RNP) Comrade Osita Obi.. on Thursday identified the lack of political discipleship as responsible for the lack of political growth in Southeast.
Comrade Obi made this assertion during an interaction with journalists in Awka.
He pointed out that political discipleship is not about giving out handouts to people but a deliberate attempt to empower and bring up persons inside and outside ones domain, enclave and make such persons believe in one’s political philosophy.
“This deliberate attempt to build followers who can carry on with the political philosophy of known principal political actors is largely lacking in Southeast.” He noted.
Comrade Obi noted that the idea of political discipleship can be borrowed from Jesus Christ who empowered his disciples to continue his message of salvation to world long after he has exited the planet Earth.
The Convener of RNP who is an unrepentant advocate for the conduct of Local government elections in Anambra State said that one of the best ways to recruit political disciples is through the conduct of Local Government elections.
He pointed out that the appointment of Transition Committee members and Chairmen cannot be used to build effective political discipleship due to lack of executive powers.
“TC Chairmen do not have executive powers like their elected Local Government Area Chairmen counterparts, when there are elected officials at the council areas, they become the disciples of the Executive Governor of the state and of course the effects trickle down to the grassroots.
“I’m happy that Anambra State governor, Prof Charles Soludo during his electioneering campaign, promised to conduct Local Goverment election two years into his administration,” he added.
According to Obi, Soludo’s promise is responsible for why agitations for Council polls are dying down, expressing optimism that the governor would make good his promises.
