“Scrutinise Candidates, Vote Only People with Verifiable Integrity,” Ossai Urges Voters
Enugu State Deputy Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Ossai, has urged Nigerians to scrutinise the track records, qualifications and integrity of political aspirants before entrusting them with public office, stressing the need for greater accountability in leadership.
Ossai made the call while attending the Third Session of the 11th Synod of the Diocese of Nsukka, Anglican Communion, where he emphasised that public service must be anchored on honour, integrity and a commitment to the welfare of the people.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Governor noted that leadership was not limited to elected officials, explaining that everyone had a responsibility to serve society, regardless of their position or profession.
According to him, citizens should go beyond the minimum legal requirements for political office and critically examine the backgrounds and records of candidates before making electoral decisions.
“Your job is to look at each one of us who seeks your mandate and interrogate us and ask critical questions before giving us your votes. Check our past records; check our present work,” he said.
The Deputy Governor also highlighted the relationship between the Church and the state, describing the Church as an important institution in shaping the moral character and conscience of society.
He said religious institutions played vital roles in education, healthcare, orphanage management and other social services that complemented the responsibilities of government.
Ossai maintained that supporting the Church was, therefore, not merely an act of religious solidarity but also a contribution to the broader development of society.
“The Church moulds the human conscience and character, without which evil will multiply in society. So, as government, we will continue to support the Church,” he said.
He added that the contributions of religious institutions to social welfare helped the government address societal challenges and improve the lives of citizens.
The Deputy Governor further called for cooperation among the government, religious institutions and citizens in addressing insecurity, urging members of the public to provide credible security information through appropriate channels.
He assured residents that channels existed for communicating security concerns while protecting the identities of informants and stressed that criminal activities should not be undertaken in the name of political leaders or government officials.
Ossai also commended the Anglican Church for its continued commitment to evangelisation, noting that the Church must preserve its spiritual mission and moral independence while engaging constructively with society.
He cautioned against subordinating the Church’s apostolate to secular authority, arguing that its independent role in shaping values and promoting moral responsibility remained essential to societal stability.
The Deputy Governor’s address centred on the shared responsibility of public officials, citizens and religious institutions in building a society founded on integrity, accountability and service to humanity.
He called on the Church to continue engaging with public affairs and encouraging responsible leadership, while urging citizens to exercise discernment in choosing those who seek to represent them in government.
The Third Session of the 11th Synod of the Diocese of Nsukka, Anglican Communion, brought together church leaders and other participants for deliberations on matters concerning the Church and its engagement with society.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
