Anambra Community Outlaws Political Campaign in Churches

Enugwu Ukwu community in Njikoka local government area of Anambra State has outlawed political campaigns in all churches in the area, arguing that the habit of politicians addressing church congregations to canvass for votes had brought denominational dichotomy in the area.
At an assembly held at the palace of the traditional ruler of Enugwu Ukwu, Igwe Ralph Ekpeh and attended by all the village heads and leaders of though in the community, the people said they would no longer watch while things got out of hand in the area.
The law banning campaign in churches reads in part: “The practice of inviting candidates for political offices at the local government, state or national level to address church as a campaign ground is now prohibited as this will work against the ethos of Enugwu Ukwu in religious matters.
“In the cities, no politician goes to the church to canvas for votes. All campaigns should be done at open rallies as had previously been the case. Distribution of fliers can be allowed outside the church hall, but not campaign speeches.
“Churches that violate this code of proper conduct should be called to order. The church, not the politician, should be held responsible for any consequences. The Igwe -in –Council and the Enugwu Ukwu Development Union, ECDU, should petition the Bishop concerned and demand a transfer of the priest who permitted such breach.
“Enugwu Ukwu is predominantly a Christian town and wishes to remain so and no effort should therefore be spared in making sure that its progress is not paralyzed by religious bigotry.”
A fine of N25000 is to be imposed on any indigene that violates the law against religious division in the area.
Also worried by the rising cost of marriage in the area, which had left many girls unmarried, the people also drastically reduced the cost of marriage and stipulated fines for those who would contravene the law.