By Abuchi Onwumelu
The Catholic bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, has kicked against the recent ban on prayers in markets across the state by the leadership of Anambra State Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA), describing prayer as the most important tool for receiving favours from God and warding off evil manipulations, reports Abuchi Onwumelu.
Bishop Ezeokafor who stated this in a homily at Holy Trinity Parish, Nanka, in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State during a Thanksgiving Mass organized in the honour of the member representing Orumba North/South Federal Constituency, Hon. Chief Okwudili Ezenwankwo, said the importance of prayers in people’s lives could not be overstated.
The Catholic prelate emphasized that banning it would further distance those who believed in the efficacy of prayers from receiving God’s abundant blessings and grace, adding that a prayerful Christian remained a powerful Christian.
Bishop Ezeokafor called on the Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, to take a critical look at the decision taken by the ASMATA leadership and see how it could be reviewed, saying that such could not be heard from a Christian dominated State like Anambra.
‘I appeal to Governor Willie to take a second look at the matter. I am happy he is here. I heard about the ban but I was not too happy about it. It is not in our best interest,’ he stated.
Bishop Ezeokafor commended Gov Obiano for what he had done so far in the state, especially in area of security of life and property, urging him to maintain the tempo.
‘I thank him for what he has done so far to secure Ndi Anambra. I’m happy for him. I also want him to enhance the security network so that we will not witness what is happening in our neighbouring states here.
‘Let us not allow the suspected Fulani herdsmen’s menace, incessant killings and kidnapping taking place in our neighbouring states to get to Anambra State. I want the governor to improve on his performance. I want to believe he is thinking towards that direction,’ Bishop Ezeokafor said.
The cleric also called on Gov Obiano to look at some roads in Anambra, which, he (Bishop Ezeokafor) said, were in poor states, to cushion the effect on Anambrarians.
He called on elected public office holders to always remember their constituents, saying that the representatives were already made and therefore had no need storing up funds meant for the development of their areas and people.
Speaking, Governor Willie Obiano assured the bishop of his administration’s commitment in tackling some of the challenges he enumerated, saying that his administration was building more quality roads and would give every deplorable road in Anambra a facelift.
