REPORTER: IFEOMA AMUTA
The Archbishop Emeritus of the Enugu Ecclesiastical Province, Emmanuel Chukwuma, has called on political office holders to remain accountable to the people, warning that those who derail in positions of authority would be voted out by the electorate.
Most Rev. Prof. Chukwuma made the call while speaking as a guest on a live interactive programme, Ka Oha Malu on Radio Nigeria, Enugu.
He noted that the coincidence of the Lenten season and the Ramadan period for Christians and Muslims respectively was significant, as it provides an opportunity for both faiths to unite in prayer and fasting for good governance and credible leadership in the country.
According to him, Lent in Christendom remains a period of deep intimacy with God, marked by self-denial and abstinence from sin. He urged church leaders to be courageous in speaking the truth to members, especially elites and politicians who may be straying, to encourage them to fulfil their campaign promises.
Prof. Chukwuma also advised parents to begin early in teaching their children the values of prayer and fasting in order to build strong and morally upright homes. He cautioned against religious hypocrisy and starvation in the name of fasting, stressing that true fasting draws Christians closer to God.
The retired Archbishop further encouraged Nigerians to use the season for almsgiving, peaceful coexistence, unity, and heightened security consciousness.
Also speaking on the programme, the Convener of Realities Talk Show, Pastor Ada Chukwuma, called for sober reflection during Lent. She urged youths to emulate the life of Christ, who fasted and prayed to discipline the flesh and overcome sin.
Pastor Chukwuma appealed to parents to instill sound family values in their children, describing youths as the future leaders of society. She added that fasting and prayer should not be limited to the Lenten season but should become a continuous spiritual practice capable of sanitizing homes, churches, and the wider society.
Responding to a caller who asked whether the aged and the sick could participate in fasting, the guests explained that fasting is primarily for those physically stable enough to undertake it, while others can engage in prayer and still receive spiritual benefits.
