– Bishop Kukah to Soludo
By Michael Nnebife
The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev Hassan Kukah, has advised the Governor of Anambra State, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, to compete only with himself and always remember the needy.
The Catholic Bishop gave the advice while delivering a homily during a Thanksgiving Mass for Governor Soludo’s three Years Anniversary at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Awka, on Sunday 16th March.
Bishop Kukah, who regretted that gratitude to God was something people took for granted, reminded the congregation that public office was a contract, praising Governor Soludo for his achievements in education, health and infrastructure.
The Bishop said the Governor had no excuse not to succeed, given the opportunities provided to him.
‘Serving as a Governor, Senator, or Bishop is a sacred contract with both God and the electorate. It is a form of stewardship where one is entrusted with duties that demand accountability to the people and adherence to personal principles.
‘I am from Kaduna State, but I must admit that I am jealous of the progress in Anambra. You have consistently had governors who leave their unique mark in terms of good governance.
‘Anambra is a state with great men and women like: Cardinal Francis Arinze; the late Chinua Achebe; Chimamanda Adichie, the late Dr Alex Ekwueme and many others.
‘I’m happy that Governor Soludo is consolidating on the gains,’ the Bishop said, noting that he had seen some of the projects by the Governor, which, he noted, would improve the quality of life of the people. He prayed for God’s favour and blessings on Anambra and Nigeria.
Earlier, the Host Bishop, Most Rev Dr Paulinus Chukwuemeka Ezeokafor, while welcoming all that attended the Mass, commended Governor Soludo, describing his achievements in three years as monumental.
Responding, Governor Soludo stated that his three years in office was a journey ordained by God and recalled the promises he made three years ago, saying that much of the manifesto had been achieved.
The Governor stressed that based on his administration’s principle of one state, one people, one agenda, he was driven by needs, empathy and compassion.
He reiterated his administration’s focus on key areas such as education reforms, sustainable youth empowerment, road infrastructure development, and enhancing healthcare services, highlighting ongoing initiatives aimed at boosting local businesses and fostering job creation in the state.
The Mass, which was attended by numerous Catholic, Anglican and Pentecostal clergy, government officials, traditional rulers, and prominent individuals in the state, who included the former Governor of the state, Dame Virgy Etiaba, was officiated by the Catholic Bishop of Ekwulọbịa Diocese, Peter Cardinal Ebele Okpalaeke.
