By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu
The Catholic bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship Most Reverend Paulinus Ezeokafor, has assured Governor Chukwuma Soludo of his continued support, prayers and encouragement, even as he said that he wants to see him succeed as the State's helmsman.
Bishop Ezeokafor who stated this at St. Patrick's Catholic Cathedral Awka during a Concelebrated Eucharistic Celebration to mark this year's Palm Sunday thanked God that the Governor volunteered himself to work for the good of the state. He commended him for the new set of Commissioners, explaining that the wisdom of the old and the strength of the young would help him work for Ndi-Anambra.
Earlier in a homily, Local Ordinary, who gave examples with the life of Jesus Christ, said that success had a lot of friends, but admonished Christians against allowing praise singing to influence them. The outspoken Cleric explained that humility begets peace, unity and progress, and helped man conquer many temptations.
The Charismatic and Influential Prelate charged Christians to make sacrifices for peace to reign in the world, stating that the best way to pass the message of salvation was through humility. Bishop Ezeokafor equally encouraged leaders at all levels to see their positions as service to God for humanity.
He warned that the devil was always on the prowl to sow seed of disunity among Christians and in the world, but encouraged people to always champion peace at all times.
Bishop Ezeokafor explained that God wants organised life for His people; anchoring on humility and peace, which was why Jesus Christ remained humble till death and brought salvation to mankind
Speaking Governor Soludo expressed readiness to work with critical stakeholders to end insecurity and all forms of violent crimes in the state.
Governor Soludo used the opportunity to call on anyone who perpetrates violent crimes against Ndi Anambra to stop and surrender, and called on repentant persons with genuine complaints to approach the panel set up by the state government, and assured that the state government was ready to rehabilitate them.
The Governor, who expressed satisfaction that the business of governance was fast taking shape in the state, noted that Anambra is in the hands of God, assuring that work would soon begin in Awka, the state capital, and pointed out that Anambra would be stronger.
In attendance at the Pontifical Holy Mass were the former Chancellor of the Diocese, Very Rev. Francis Chidume, the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Ben Ezeajughi, among others.