INTERVIEW – Joseph Ekuwem spites Eket Senatorial District

Recently, a crop of media Executive in Akwa Ibom State had an exclusive session with a revered personality, an orator without any contradiction, fearless and astute but unscrutable religious leader of our time, Bishop Joseph Ekuwem, the Catholic Bishop of Uyo Diocese. He spoke on some political and contemporary issues including the re-election of President Goodluck Jonathan canvassed by some political Juggernauts; he also identifies incredients that make up the unity of Nigeria. The man of God stressed on political rumblings in Akwa Ibom State that has to do with the fight between the two major tribes in the state, the Ibibio and the Annang. He advocates on the need for the Eket Senatorial District that harbours the minorities to act as referee. Excerpts:

QUESTION: Your Lordship, considering the current war between the government and the perceived opposition where no institution both the royal and religious seems not to be interested, what would you say about this?

ANSWER: The answer to that your question is encapsulated in this simple prayer I developed many years ago. Listen to this: “Lord make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred let me sow love, where there is injury healing, where there is doubt - faith, where there is despair-hope and where there is sadness - joy. O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned and it is in dying that we born into eternal life”.

The solution lies in only one thing. First, prayers to the Almighty God who can solve every problem human and divine. Second, seek reconciliation between the warring factions so that we can truly be agents and instruments of peace. And I agree with you that the best in way any society in Africa today that would serve that purpose would be the traditional rulers and religious leaders. If those two areas fail, then we are bound to fail.          On the political plain, Akwa Ibom State is divided into three Senatorial districts and these are Uyo, Ikot Ekpene and Eket. The struggle for power at the moment is strictly between two Senatorial Districts. I think the third Senatorial District on the political platform should be good instruments in the process of reconciliation.

QUESTION: On the abduction of Gen. Edet Akpan in the church and the recent killing of Paul Inyang and the views of the church

ANSWER:  I don't think the church has any view in this kind of matter because the church is very clear on the bible principles. The bible does not permit us to take human life. The views of the church are the views of the scripture. The church has to pray hard that we do not constitute objects of such attack and those engaged be converted so that we live in a better and peaceful society.

QUESTION: On the governor giving money to churches which in some cases has torn the churches apart

ANSWER: I believe that according to democracy, these are money out of his own salary and security votes therefore he has the right to spend these as he chooses. If they are public funds, then we should be asking the whole government the question and not just the governor. I think it is this same government that gave about 100million Naira to CAN for micro credit programmes.          

QUESTION: On endorsing a candidate for second term by CAN and his participation in government programmes

ANSWER: I gave an interview on this. First, I am not part of management of CAN and I have regularly said that I do not have the ability to manage CAN. It is not my gift. I do not certainly know enough of how CAN is managed but if you would ask me about the constitution of CAN, the right and principles and the limits, that I will be able to tell you.

            Personally I partake on most things of government when it relates to church. When it does not relate to church, you would hardly see me. I'm not a politician. My church rightly forbids me to be involved in partisan politics. I can only have political thoughts and ideals to share but I can't practice, I can't belong to any party. I must always remain a father and on neutral ground to be able to deal with all the parties without belonging to any.

            Generally, I may not be able to cope with government programmes. Government programmes are often too lengthy and they don't start right on time. You don't know when it is going to start and end and I have the flock of Christ to look after. My own job is not politics so you leave politics to those who are politically competent to practice politics. I only attend when it has to do with religion and church. For example when his Excellency took office I was there and in many others except the last two that unavoidably indisposed.

QUESTION: On whether Catholic Church is still active CAN member

ANSWER: The Catholic Church is the founding member of Christian Association of Nigeria. She has never relinquished her position and her right. Therefore the issue of Catholic Church not being a member of CAN is either blackmail or downright lie or a calculated effort to undo something that is not undoable.

QUESTION: On his not being supportive of the second term of the governor in Akwa Ibom State

ANSWER: I don't know where this comes from, perhaps it would be like in the scriptures when the disciples went to Jesus and said we planted weeds and corns in our field, how come we find tares growing side by side with it and Jesus said, the devil did it. So they said give us the authority to uproot them but he answered no, leave both of them to grow together until harvest time. I don't think I have any power at all to determine whether someone should go on second term or not. There are two systems that matter in that kind of thinking. First, is the Nigerian constitution which spelt out the matter of first or second term. Second is the person who wants or does not want. So if the governors desires to go for a second term, and the constitution of Nigeria allows, I don't see what else I can say or do.

QUESTION: On Goodluck Jonathan's Presidency come 2011

ANSWER: On the first reason, Mr President did not run to be a president; he is a president and we thank God. He is a free citizenry of Nigeria and I do not form part of his advisory council or a political adviser on this kind of subject. But if my candid opinion is sought, I would gladly offer.

QUESTION: On freedom of expression

ANSWER: We are free citizens and a part of the democracy is the freedom of speech so that we can share our opinions, collate and make the best out of them. When the government does not make it possible for the citizens to express themselves, then there is a problem somewhere and we have to fight it with the press. But we thank God we have the freedom of expression so I can express myself as an individual.

QUESTION: On Corpers serving in their state of origin

ANSWER: For Corpers to serve in their state of origin will tend to undermine the very purpose for which it was inaugurated. For now, NYSC service should be the way it is, except only on very extreme cases that really warrant a Corper to serve in his own state of origin. He or she should serve in any other state. For me, the far away from his own state; the better.

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