The simmering tension between the leadership of Anambra State and influential figures within the clergy took a dramatic turn this week. Comrade Osita Obi, the National Convener of the Recover Nigeria Project (RNP), issued a stern warning to Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Obimma, popularly known as Ebube Muonso, demanding an apology for his controversial remarks against Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
Obi, speaking to reporters at a press conference held in Awka on Saturday, lashed out at the outspoken priest for calling for Soludo’s resignation in his New Year message, citing the worsening insecurity in Anambra State. Obi expressed strong disapproval of the attack, urging the clergyman to instead offer his support to the state government’s efforts to address security concerns. The activist did not mince words as he threatened to lead a protest at the Holy Ghost Adoration Ministry in Uke, should Fr. Obimma fail to retract his statements within the next two weeks.
“The Governor Needs Support, Not Attacks”
Comrade Obi, who has long been an advocate for peace and good governance in Nigeria, emphasized that Governor Soludo’s administration was making significant strides in tackling the security challenges in the state. He contended that the governor had shown a commitment to addressing the issue, pointing out that Soludo had taken unprecedented steps within his two-year tenure.
“No governor since the return of democracy in 1999 has done what Governor Soludo is doing across the 179 communities in Anambra,” Obi stated. “Soludo is a good man with a listening ear, and his administration is working hard to restore peace and security. This is not the time to tear down the efforts of the government.”
Obi’s remarks were a direct response to Fr. Obimma’s call for Governor Soludo to step down, accusing him of failing to protect the people of Anambra State. In his New Year message, Fr. Obimma, a revered figure in the state, questioned Soludo’s leadership, citing the growing insecurity as a key reason for his resignation.
However, Obi criticized the priest for airing his grievances publicly, arguing that it would have been more constructive for the clergyman to engage the governor directly before resorting to the media. Obi noted that Fr. Obimma had failed to use the available channels of communication to discuss his concerns.
“I expected that a man of God like Fr. Obimma would have taken a different approach,” Obi continued. “Why didn’t he reach out to the governor directly, either by phone or by scheduling a meeting? Why escalate this into a media war that could only bring division among the people of Anambra?”
“He Should Run for Office Like His Colleague in Benue”
Not one to shy away from controversy, Obi took a bold swipe at Fr. Obimma’s criticisms, suggesting that if the priest believed he could do a better job at handling Anambra’s security issues, he should consider entering politics. Obi pointed to the example of another prominent cleric, Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, who was once a religious leader before transitioning into politics.
“If Fr. Obimma thinks he has what it takes to lead Anambra and address its security issues, then he should take off his cassock and enter the political arena, just like his colleague in Benue State,” Obi remarked. “The people of Anambra need a leader who can bring about change, and that’s what Governor Soludo is doing.”
Obi’s comments were also an indirect challenge to the growing political influence of clerics in Nigeria, where religious leaders have sometimes been seen as playing a major role in the governance process. His call for Fr. Obimma to consider political office reflects broader concerns about the relationship between religion and politics in Nigeria.
Ultimatum: Two Weeks to Retract or Face Protest
Obi made it clear that he would not let the matter rest without action. He gave Fr. Obimma a strict 14-day deadline to apologize for his remarks and retract his call for Soludo’s resignation. The activist also warned that if the priest failed to comply, he would personally lead a protest to the Holy Ghost Adoration Ministry in Uke, where Fr. Obimma is based.
“I am giving Fr. Obimma two weeks to apologize to Governor Soludo,” Obi declared. “If he fails to do so, I will lead a protest at his ministry. This issue is about the future of Anambra State, and we cannot afford to let divisive rhetoric destroy what we’ve worked so hard to build.”
The situation has quickly escalated, with Obi’s warning sending ripples through the political and religious communities. Some supporters of Governor Soludo have rallied behind Obi’s stance, accusing Fr. Obimma of unnecessarily politicizing an issue that should be a collective concern for all Anambra residents. Others, however, sympathize with the priest’s frustration over the state’s security situation and the seeming inability of the government to contain the growing violence.
“Anambra Needs Unity, Not Division”
In his final remarks, Obi appealed to the residents of Anambra State to rally behind Governor Soludo in his efforts to create a secure, peaceful, and prosperous state. He urged the people not to be swayed by the ongoing media feud but to focus on the collective goal of restoring peace in the state.
“We all have a role to play in this,” Obi said. “Anambra needs unity, not division. We must continue to support Governor Soludo’s vision for the state and work together to overcome the challenges we face. The issue of insecurity will be resolved in time, but we need everyone’s cooperation.”