Youths in Uzo Uwani have rejected the House of Representatives ambition of Mathias Ezeaku, accusing him of promoting actions and statements they believe are offensive to Christianity and Islam.
The group, operating under the name Concerned Uzo Uwani Youths, said Ezeaku’s past actions, including the burning of the Holy Bible and his criticism of religious leaders, have raised concerns among many residents in the community.
According to the youths, political leaders should promote peace, unity, and religious tolerance rather than division and hostility.
In a statement released by the group, they argued that Ezeaku’s beliefs and public comments do not align with the philosophy of Peter Obi and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
“The philosophy of Mathias Ezeaku cannot align with that of Peter Obi and the Nigeria Democratic Congress because while Peter Obi believes that the Church remains a strong institution for the promotion of quality education, healthcare, and societal development, Ezeaku has repeatedly made statements suggesting that nothing good comes from the church,” the statement read.
The youths further warned that encouraging religious intolerance could create unnecessary tension in the area and threaten the peaceful coexistence among residents of Uzo Uwani.
Reacting to the allegations, Mathias Ezeaku dismissed the claims and described them as propaganda aimed at damaging his political ambition.
He defended his action of burning the Bible, arguing that Christians have also destroyed shrines and traditional religious symbols belonging to traditional worshippers.
“Everyone has the right to decide what religion they want to practise. Anybody can decide that they are done with Christianity and want to embrace traditional religion,” he said.
“The same way Christians destroyed our shrines, oracles, and traditional way of life because they believed in their own religion, anybody also has the right to reject whatever they no longer believe in,” Ezeaku added.
The controversy has continued to generate reactions across Uzo Uwani, with many residents calling for mutual respect, understanding, and tolerance among people of different religious beliefs.
