Methodist Prelate seeks promulgation of bill against killing on religious basis

Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence, Dr. Samuel Chukwuemeka Kanu Uche, has joined other Nigerians to condemn gruesome killing of Deborah Samuel, stressing that the National Assembly should promulgate bill against killing on religious basis.

Addressing journalists at a press conference during his Apostolic/ Valedictory Tour of the Archdiocese at Wesley Chapel, Lekki Lagos yesterday, he expressed serious concern over the present state of the nation.

He said, “I blame Christians at the National Assembly. They are not representing Christians well. They should promulgate a bill that nobody should be killed on religious basis. If the president signs it, then it would become law.”

He said there is need to shun ethnicity, tribalism, and religious extremism, adding that the Methodist Church has always preached love and egalitarianism.

To him, killing in the name of religion is crude and uncivilised lifestyle, stressing that “we should promote love and harmony among ourselves.”

He said when he was in Kano as the Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), he showed love to Muslims by giving money to buy rams during festive period.

He also condemned those calling for a particular tribe to leave the country, insisting that, “we are Nigerians and we shall remain here.”

Asked whether he is in support of those calling for the postponement of election, he responded, “Election should never be postponed. The election must also be free and fair. Elected leaders must provide employment, skills acquisition and agricultural revolution. We should also emphaise production rather than consumption.”

He added that Nigeria is beyond what some people think, noting that it would never work if power is handed to Fulani.

He advised electorates to cast their votes for candidates of their choice.

He said, “If they give you money, collect it but don’t vote for them. Vote for candidates of your choice.”

He also said politics should be played fairly and must never be do-or-die affair. He noted that someone without good antecedent must never be elected into public office.

He also expressed concern over commercialisation of politics, where candidates pay N100million to pick presidential form.

He said by engaging in such act, the leaders are encouraging wolves and incompetent people into public offices.

He added that a consensus candidate would not be accepted, stressing that any candidate that would emerge must be on the basis of fairness.

He also gave historical background of the church, stressing that the first church in Nigeria is The Methodist, adding that the church has been active in areas of education, evangelism, ecumenism, welfare and infrastructure among others.