Prominent social commentator, Mazi Ejimofor Opara, has called for collective action in addressing insecurity in Anambra State, urging citizens to take responsibility for their roles in enabling the current challenges. In a strongly-worded statement, Opara decried the culture of blame-trading and highlighted the need for unity in fighting what he described as “our collective creation.”
Opara likened the situation to a crumbling cookie, stating that everyone involved in its making shares responsibility. “It is very easy for everyone to complain when the cookie crumbles. However, the question no one cares to answer is, ‘Who built/made the crumbling cookie?’ Until we all see our collective role in the making of the cookie, we might as well continue to argue ‘why, what, and who crumbled the cookie,’” he said.
He also criticized certain Catholic priests in the state for prioritizing political and personal interests over their spiritual responsibilities. Without naming specific individuals initially, Opara lambasted religious leaders who, in his view, have turned altars into platforms for political and financial gain rather than instruments of moral and spiritual rejuvenation.
Opara particularly took aim at Fr. Emmanuel Obimma, accusing him of enabling criminality by failing to use his platform to address critical societal issues, such as the infamous Monday sit-at-home order enforced by separatist elements. “Rather than deploy the altar to cleanse their minds using the light of the gospel, the mercantile priest is more interested in sustaining his business and political interests,” Opara alleged.
He argued that such actions have enabled criminals and undermined efforts to address insecurity in the state. “The multitude of impressionable miracle seekers who throng this aberration grounds are still people who are brothers, sisters, wives, relatives, and friends of the criminals killing and kidnapping priests and Ndi Anambra,” Opara stated.
The social critic urged the people of Anambra to prioritize solutions over blame, emphasizing that insecurity is a shared problem requiring collective effort. He expressed confidence that the current administration in Anambra, which he described as “rational, prudent, and spiritually enlightened,” would not succumb to manipulative influences.
Mazi Opara ended his statement with a spiritual assurance, declaring that “like Baal, the God of Elijah will confound them soon,” expressing hope for justice and a better Anambra State.
