Abuja, Nigeria – A core human rights advocacy group, African GenZ For Accountability (AGA), has called on Senator Adams Oshiomhole to apologize to the Catholic Church, Mr. Peter Obi, the Edo people, the Nigerian Senate, and the general public for misleading the nation with false claims about the ownership of St. Philomena College of Nursing Sciences.
In a statement, AGA Chairperson David Itoto condemned Oshiomhole’s actions as a clear case of political self-aggrandizement at the expense of truth and integrity. “Senator Oshiomhole’s claims are not only false but also damaging to the reputation of the Catholic Church and its contributions to education and healthcare in Nigeria,” Itoto said.
The controversy stems from Oshiomhole’s claim that St. Philomena College of Nursing Sciences is “100% owned and funded” by the Edo State government, which the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City vehemently denies. According to the Archdiocese, the institution has been owned and funded by the Church since its establishment in 1947.
Potential Consequences for Oshiomhole’s Reputation
This incident may damage Oshiomhole’s reputation and credibility, potentially affecting his political career. “If Senator Oshiomhole fails to apologize and rectify this situation, it could have long-term consequences for his reputation and public trust,” Itoto warned.
Reactions from Other Stakeholders
The Edo State government has yet to respond to the controversy, but Peter Obi’s supporters have expressed disappointment and frustration. “This is another example of Oshiomhole’s reckless and irresponsible behavior,” said a supporter. “We demand an apology and a retraction of the false claims.”
The Nigerian Senate may also take disciplinary action against Oshiomhole for his actions. “If Senator Oshiomhole is found guilty of spreading false information, it could lead to a loss of confidence in his leadership abilities,” said a Senate source.
Broader Implications for Nigeria’s Political Landscape
This controversy highlights the need for accountability and transparency in governance. “This incident shows that some politicians are more interested in advancing their own interests than in serving the public good,” Itoto said in a press statement made available to Standarddailypress.com in Abuja. “We urge Nigerians to demand more from their leaders and to hold them accountable for their actions.”
The Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City has also weighed in, calling on the public to critically evaluate information disseminated by public figures. “We urge all citizens to demand truthfulness and accountability from their leaders,” said Rev. Fr. Jude Orah, Director of Social Communications and Press of the Catholic Archdiocese.
As the controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Oshiomhole will respond to the calls for an apology and whether he will take steps to rectify the damage caused by his reckless, callous and false claims.
