Tinubu convoy: Preaching sacrifice without practicing same hypocritical – Obi

By Praise Chinecherem

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi on Thursday said that leaders who asked their followers to sacrifice for better Nigeria must also lead by example.

He said there was need to cut down on the cost of governance, and that has always been his position about governance.

Obi spoke on Thursday at St Faith Cathedral Church, Awka, during the burial service of the late Dean Church of Nigeria, the Most Reverend Maxwell Anikwenwa, who died at 83.

Obi, who was reacting to a question on the viral video of the long convoy of President Bola Tinubu in Lagos on Wednesday, said: “I have not been opportuned to see the video you talked about, but let me tell you what I have always said…that present Nigeria requires that all those who serve and lead must do so by example.

“The behaviour, character, and public conduct of those who serve must be in consonance with what society requires today. You cannot continue to preach to the people to sacrifice without sacrificing.

“The sacrifice must start with the leaders, visibly, measurably at all times, because the people are suffering and we must all be at the forefront of the suffering.”

While speaking on the life of the late Archbishop, the former Governor of Anambra State said: “He is not just a pastor of God, but a great Nigerian who
contributed to this country beyond his pastoral work in building a better
Nigeria.

“He is involved in advocating for a better Nigeria, good governance, and others. He was a great Nigerian and a great Igbo man, and I am not surprised about the number of people at [this] burial ceremony today.”

Earlier, several religious and political leaders paid glowing tribute to the deceased.

The Primate of Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, Presidential Candidate of Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, Governor Chukwuma Soludo and several others described the deceased as a true servant of God, saying he would be greatly missed by the church and the nation.

The Primate described Anikwenwa as a selfless patriarch, master builder and pioneer Bishop of the diocese who laid solid foundation for his successors.

He said, “Archbishop Anikwenwa loved God and His people. He lived life of sacrifice and servanthood. He cherished Church Missionary Society (CMS) and Anglican heritage.

“He gave specific instructions on how and where he’ll be buried in line with the church doctrine.

“He was a good team player, invested in people and left indelible legacies. As a good soldier that fought till the end, he’s looking forward for the eternal reward, incorruptible crown.”

While sympathizing with the family which he described as q special to God, Ndukuba prayed God to watch over them give them as well as grant them fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

He also appreciated Anikwenwa’s successor, Archbishop Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Reverend Alexander Ibezim for taking up the challenge of ensuring the deceased was given a beffiting burial.
Governor Soludo said the life of the deceased reflected ecumenism which his administration stands for, urging other ministers of God to emulate such lifestyle for peaceful society.

Soludo who spoke through his deputy, Dr. Onyekachi Ibezim commiserated with the deceased family, encouraging them to take solace in the fact that their late father lived a good life and served God and humanity well.

Archbishop Ibezim noted that late prelate left indelible legacies in Anglican communion and the larger society, which would remain relevant in generations to come.

Earlier in his sermon, Anglican Bishop of Ikwerre, Niger Delta Province, Rt Revd Blessing Enyindah, urged Christians to examine the life they live, noting that they could not afford to live their lives anyhow and against the will of God especially in the present perilous times.