…Receives Ganduje, other APC National, State Stakeholders
By Fr Constantine Echichechi Okoli
The Catholic Bishop of Awka, Most Rev. Paulinus Chukwuemeka Ezeokafor, has reiterated his commitment in forming the consciences of the people placed under his charge so that they make proper choice of the people to govern the state in the upcoming Gubernatorial Election in Anambra State.
The Bishop who stated this at his office at the Catholic Secretariat, Awka, on Saturday, 8th February, while receiving the All Progressives Congress (APC) party contingent, led by APC Governorship Aspirant, Chief Paul Chukwuma, noted that the work of the Church with regard to politics and governance in the state hinged on evangelization and formation of conscience of the people. He stated that though the Church did not engage in partisan politics, they, as Church leaders, heard the heartbeat of the people as it concerned policies and effects of governance in society.
‘Since we are at the grassroots, we know what the people feel,’ the outspoken Bishop said.
While welcoming the ruling party’s National Chairman, Alhaji Umar Ganduje, and others, at the courtesy visit which he described as impressive, the Bishop charged them to be firm in their resolve to attract the dividends of democracy to the South East, inspire national reconciliation, encourage unity in diversity and ensure integral development of the human person.
He added that the nexus between politics and religion was such that if the people were well taken care of by the state in the provisions of social amenities and basic needs, the number of people beleaguered by poverty, hunger and anger would reduce.
‘When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice,’ the Prelate quoted, while stating that he had the responsibility of helping the people to make the right choice of leaders.
Speaking to all the aspirants in the state under the APC, the Bishop encouraged them to present themselves to the people well-enough so that the people, could decide rightly.
‘Market Yourselves! the Bishop who has made great impart in the affairs of the State, charged the aspirants.
Earlier, the National chairman of APC, Alhaji Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, speaking to the Bishop, explained that the purpose of the visit was to assure him that APC was a party that was committed to fostering national reconciliation, unity in diversity and development; and that APC was the party that connected the industrious Igbo People to the centre.
Ganduje also explained that he had no doubt that as a religious leader, the Bishop had great influence on the people under his care and noted that his good sense of judgement would help the masses to choose wisely the persons to govern them.
Present at the visit were the National Secretary of APC, Senator Ajibola Basiru; the Chairman of APC in Anambra State, Chief Basil Ejidike; many Governorship Aspirants namely; Sir Paul Chukwuma, Chief Obiora Okonkwo, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, Chief Chukwuma Umeorji and Chief John-Bosco Onunkwo; and many other members of the party.
Forming part of the highlights of the visit were the presentation of the Kola nut as a symbol of hospitality and welcome; presentation of gifts to Alhaji Ganduje by the Bishop, prayer and blessing by the Bishop and group photograph.
Speaking at the end of the visit, Chief JohnBosco Onunkwo, on behalf of the party, thanked the Bishop for receiving them warmly and for his fatherly and encouraging support.
