BY ABUCHI IFESINACHI, AWKA
The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese His Lordship, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor has called on Igbos not to pursue vendetta over their relatives who were slaughtered during the civil war, maitetesine of the 80s, and the other religious uprisings in parts of the North, including the current Islamic terrorism ravaging the North East.
Bishop Ezeokafor in his homily, during the Ecumenical service to mark this year's Armed Forces Remembrance Day and symbolic burial of Igbos who lost their lives during the civil war, rather called for forgiveness.
He praised the patriotism of those who laid their lives for the unity of this country and urged Nigerians to embrace peace the the unity and progress of the country.
In his address on the accession held at the popular Ekwueme square, Awka, the Anambra state capital, Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra stated that the symbolic burial of Igbo war victims became necessary to ensure that Igbo fallen heros and heroines were accorded befitting burial so that their spirits can now rest in peace.
He stated Igbo have capacity to turn the misfortunes that have bedeviled the country and called on wealthy Igbo to come the rescue of the nation, especially Igbo land by redirecting their investments homeward.
He also urged electorate in the South East zone to vote massively for the People's Democratic Party, PDP, presidential candidate in the next month's general election, President Goodluck Jonathan stating he has the vision to transform Nigeria.
The national chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Chief Victor Umeh commended the initiative to accord Igbo fallen heroes a befitting burial saying that it would help to unite the Igbos more and re-enforce Igbo communal spirit.
Chairman of the burial Committee, Col. Ben Gbulie described the event as a veritable platform which will further unite Igbos and urged Igbos to fudge a stronger unity among themselves.
Among the prominent sons and daughters of Anambra state who graced the event were Anambra state Governor Obiano; his deputy, Dr. Nkem Okeke; former Vice- President of Nigeria, Alex Ekwueme ; APGA national chairman, chief Victor Umeh ;former deputy governor Virgy Etiaba, Prince Arthur Eze; Speaker, Anambra state Assembly, Princess Chinwe Nwaebili ; Mrs. Josephine Anenih.
[18:51, 1/14/2015] Abuchi Fides: 2015 : Bishop Ezeokafor Harps on Security
[18:51, 1/14/2015] Abuchi Fides: 2015 : Bishop Ezeokafor Harps on Security
BY ABUCHI IFESINACHI, AWKA
The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor has joined other well -meaning Nigerians in calling on the Federal Government led by president Goodluck Jonathan to pay priority attention to security matters
The Catholic prelate who made the call at St. Patrick's Cathedral, Awka while assessing government's efforts in critical sectors of the nation's economy enjoined them to put more efforts in tackling insurgency in the North-east zone of the country .
He was of the opinion that president Jonathan somehow met the expectations of the people in piloting the affairs of the nation in the out-gone year but equally stressed the need for more priority attention to be paid to the security of lives and property in the country .
He observed that security in the country was something to worry about especially with the influx of Boko Haram elements .
Bishop Ezeokafor stated that security agents should be commended for their resilience because according to him security agents put their lives on the line to be able to restore peace and orderliness in troubled states across the federation .
He also extolled the efforts of the Federal Government for its achievements in other sectors of the nation's economy but however explained that there was more to be done to safeguard the integrity and soverignty of the nation especially as the 2015 general elections beckons .
Bishop Ezeokafor equally commended Governor Willie Obiano noting that the security situation in the state had improved tremendously.
The Catholic prelate also suggested that efforts should be further intensified to ensure that the forthcoming general elections was crisis-free in the state .
He however, expressed the view that the year 2015 will be great for Nigeria and maintained that the federal government should accord special attention to the security of the nation .
He said if all the machineries needed to fight insurgency were deployed , peace would return once again to states infected with Boko Haram elements .The Chief shepherd of Awka Catholic Diocese, also made fervent prayers for the State Governor Chief Willie Obiano noting that Governor Obiano will surpass previous achievements this year .
Bishop Ezeokafor said the Federal Government should concentrate more on security as he rightly observed that no sector can function effectively without the provision of an enabling environment where security of lives and property is paramount
He equally expressed the opinion that all should key into the 4-pillars of development and 13-enablers of Governor Willie Obiano's to enable the state government execute developmental projects for the betterment of the people of Anambra State