Daily Independent (Lagos)
Francis Iwuch
2 July 2009
Lagos — Dr. Sunday Ola Makinde, Prelate of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, undoubtedly is a figure described by close associates as a clergyman with class. They also see him as a man who would not for any reason compromise his stand on an issue that borders on the development of the nation. He hits the nail on the head, according to his admirers, not minding whose ox is gored.
The Prelate was in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, at the weekend for the 2009 Recognition of Service and Merit Award to Methodist members in Ilesa Archdiocese. He reportedly used the occasion to lampoon the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying it has no plans for Nigeria other than promoting corruption, armed robbery and unemployment in the country. He equally charged the opposition to strengthen itself if the country must regain her pride of place.
The cleric did not stop there. He also blamed the electorate who, he said, are not enjoying dividends of democracy because of their failure to vote the right people into political offices.
"We can no longer tolerate the style of PDP. But the opposition must be strong. The country is drifting to a one-party state. We can only welcome any government that is willing to address the problem of unemployment, fight corruption, and provide electricity for the people. We cannot achieve that unless we put the right people in political offices," Makinde said.
The Prelate, however, affirmed that it is sometimes wrong to compare Nigeria with the Western world because of how old their democracy is. "We are comparing Nigeria with the United States of America (USA) and some European countries who attained independence about 200 years ago. It is not easy, we must be thankful to God over the first 10 years of the country's democracy. The National Assembly was not as stable as it is now; it is a learning process," he further said.
Makinde seems not to be alone in this assessment. The executive director, Centre for Citizens with Disability (CCD), David Anyaele, also believes that PDP is not only a disgrace to the nation, but that it is also time for its government to apologise to Nigerians for the disservice done to them. "In a normal society, they should admit failure and apologise to the people. But because of arrogance and unnecessary bravado, they have not and that is why they are making more mistakes," says Anyaele who, ironically praised President Umaru Yar'Adua for his firm belief in the rule of law.
Makinde was born on October 10, 1943 in Lagelu council area of Oyo State. He taught as a pupil teacher and catechist for five years before he was called to the ministry.
He had his ministerial training at Immanuel College, Ibadan and graduated in 1969. He also obtained a degree in Theology from the University of Calabar and later, a doctorate from the United Theological Seminary, Minnesota, USA in 1984.
Makinde was elected Prelate of the Methodist Church, Nigeria in 2006 and was invested on November 12 of the same year at Trinity Methodist Church, Tinubu Square, Lagos.
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