By Abuchi Onwumelu
The Catholic bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor has called on the various knights of the Universal Church to eschew unnecessary bickering, division, unhealthy competition and to come together and work for the greater good of the Church.
Bishop Ezeokafor who is the chairman of Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria, CBCN, on laity, gave the charge in a homily during this year's All Knights Day Celebration held at St. Patrick's Catholic Cathedral, Awka
He explained that the essence of establishing the Noble Orders was for them to serve as a link between the laity and the clergy, noting that their primary assignment was to protect the Catholic faith and also guard against invasion of any form.
He exhorted them to be true agents of change in their various communities and to always showed the lights in their respective homes rather than engage in any form of mischief
Bishop Ezeokafor reiterated the readiness of the church in partnering the government to move the State forward and thanked the governor for the recent financial assistance given to the church for the effective management of her schools in the state, describing that as an act of wisdom and love for education.
The outspoken man of God also thanked the governor for the height of security of life and property within the state which according to him, was the best in the whole nation.
He noted that at a time when various states were faced with one security challenge or another, especially the recent menace of the Fulani herdsmen, Anambra had remained peaceful and the safest for humans to live and go about their businesses without any fear of molestation.
The chief shepherd of Awka Catholic Diocese, who shared an experience on how somebody from Anambra who visited another state were held captive for days, called on other states, especially the eastern states to emulate the Governor Willie Obiano style of governance especially in the area of security.
He noted that the government was formed with the support of the church and so far had continued to do well, assuring that it would continue to enjoy the support of the church.
'We made the government and so far the government is doing well, we'll continue to support the government,' Bishop Ezeokafor added
In his speech, the representative of the governor of Anambra State, Prof Solo Chukwulobelu who is also the Secretary to the State Government gave cogent reasons why the governor was unavoidably absent thanking the Bishop and the church community for their continued support for the present administration in the state.
He noted that Chief Willie Obiano was poised towards ensuring that Anambra State truly reflected the light as its official motto noting that could only be achieved through upgrading the state to a standard which others can emulate.
His words, 'Though wrestled by the recent economic challenges, the government has been able to achieve a lot and more is underway for Ndi Anambra 'We urged you people to be patience and support and also support us,' he said.
In the event that preceded the Holy Mass which saw the Knights from the various orders, Papal Knights, Medalists, Knights of St. Mulumba, Knights of St. John and their ladies) converge on the podium for a crucial meeting to discuss the way forward.
Addressing the gathering, Rev Fr. Anthony Ezeoke charged christians, especially Knights to be soldiers of Christ and to always defend their christian faith.
Taking from a book tagged The Knights, A citizen Of Two Worlds, Fr. Ezeoke called on the Knights to stand up and face the challenges of the church headlong noting in particular, the killings and destruction of churches by the herdsmen and their Boko Haram counterparts.
He frowned that Ndigbo had no leadership since the death of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, noting that the present political leaders were currently out for personal aggrandizement and self-enriching.
He warned about the dangers of Ndigbo not having a reliable voice at a time other regions had all sent their best to the legislative chambers and wondered why the Igbos took delight in fighting themselves.
Fr Anthony Ezeoke noted that Ndigbo are enterprising; a people known for their great and remarkable achievements, urging them not to lose that regard.
In an interview, shortly after the Mass, Chief Dr Victor Umeh, stated that the Knights Day Celebration was an opportunity for the Knights to unite and review past programs and discuss way forward noting that he as a Knight of St. John International had travelled down to attend the event which he said was an obligation for every Knight.
When quizzed on the issues about the Anambra Central Senatorial rerun, Ohamadike said a lot was being done to fast-track the process as the court had fixed a date for hearing of the appeal brought before her. He urged the people not to lose hope as the battle would soon be over.
He stated that the last court judgment marked the beginning of their victory noting that the hearing of his appeal had been slated to hold onJune 19th and would be nothing less than a step to victory at the judgment.