BY ABUCHI IFESINACHI, AWKA
The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship Most Rev Dr Paulinus Ezeokafor has said the reason the Diocese decide to honour the immediate past Governor of Anambra State, Chief Peter Obi was due to the marvellous and transparent way he governed the State during his remarkable and eventful eight years stay in the office.
Bishop Ezeokafor who gave the explaination at St. Patrick's Cathedral, Awka said the Diocesan decision to appreciate Obi had nothing to do with politics noting that the Diocese was only trying to reward hard work even as he said with recognition of Obi's efforts other political office holders will be reminded that position of authority was meant for service and not as avenue to siphon public funds
According to the bishop, that the former Governor of Anambra State, Chief Peter Obi , was able to deliver Democracy Dividends to the 177 communities in Anambra State and rehabilitated a whole lot of schools, roads and hospitals and even built new ones
The Catholic prelate recalled that Obi as the Governor of Anambra State returned schools to their original owners, the Church adding that Obi's foresightedness and prudent management of public funds placed Anambra State where it was today noting that the essence of governance was for one to work for the common good of the people .
'We would have appreciated him long ago but because of his principles of not receiving awards while in the office we said ok let us wait for when it will be convenient for him and the date we agreed is on Sunday 21 December 2014.
'Former Gov. Peter Obi leadership quality can be best described as unprecedented. His mastery of administrative job places him shoulder above his peers. He is not just a Catholic but a devoted one as that.
'He made sure that every community in Anambra State received one developmental project or the other. The Church will always remember him for his kind heartedness, humility and for his undiluted love for his people.
He did not just returned schools to us, he equally gave money and provided the enabling environment. He built hospitals, Roads, schools and even help in revitalization of Igbo Language and culture. To me, he deserves more than we are giving to him, 'Bishop Ezeokafor explained.
Bishop Ezeokafor, stated that the Diocese decision to appreciate Obi was borne out of Obi's humble dispositions and the great role he played in dislodging people of questionable characters from the State and for ensuring that Ndi Anambra remained the pace setters both in education and commerce.
