From Ifeoma Ejiofor
The Convener of Recover Nigeria Project (RNP) Comrade Osita Obi on Thursday identified lack of political discipleship as being responsible for 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 bringing up persons inside and outside ones domain, enclave and make such persons believe in ones 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 conduct of Local Goverment election in Anambra State said that one of the best way to recruit political disciples is through the conduct of Local Goverment elections.
He pointed out that appointment of Transition Committee members and Chairmen can not be used to build effective political discipleship due to lack of executive powers.
“TC Chairmen do not have executive powers like their elected Local Goverment 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 grassroot.” He explained.
Comrade Obi said he is happy that Anambra State governor, Prof Charles Soludo during his electioneering campaign, promised to conduct Local Goverment election two years into his administration.
Gov Soludo’s promise according to him is responsible for why agitations for Council polls are quite noting that he is optimistic that the governor will make good his promise.