By Ifeoma Ezenyilimba
As imbroglio and alleged power tussle have continued to threaten peace in Ekwulobia Town, Aguata L.G.A, Anambra State, an Aguata-born Catholic Bishop, Most Rev Dr Peter Ebere Okpaleke, has called on the traditional ruler of the Town, Igwe Engr. Emmanuel Chukwukadibia Onyeneke, KSS, Ezejiofor II of Ekwulobia, and others to win back Ekwulobia for Christ.
Bishop Peter Okpaleke, who spoke when he represented the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev Dr Paulinus Chukwuemeka Ezeokafor on a pastoral visit to Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Ekwulobia, recently, averred that Ekwulobia, the satellite city of Aguata, ought to be the symbol of light and peace for others.
Citing Isuofia Town, Aguata L.G.A, where peace was recently restored, after many years of turmoil, the bishop called for lasting peace in Ekwulobia Town, saying that there was need for somebody or some people to make some sacrifice, for the needed peace in Ekwulobia, saying that disunity hinders development.
Addressing the Ekwulobia monarch, Bishop Okpaleke said, ‘Igwe Emmanuel Onyeneke, as a papal knight of the Church, you have to win back Ekwulobia to Jesus Christ. If others have failed you in the mission for peace, then, turn back to the Catholic Church you belong to, which can never support evil’.
‘I am happy that the current Episcopal Vicar of Ekwulobia Region, Very Rev Fr Ignatius Onwuatuegwu and the entire Ekwulobia Catholic Community are ready to make the necessary sacrifice for that needed and lasting peace in Ekwulobia. Make good use of this current opportunity’, Bishop Okpaleke stated.
The bishop, who cited the stand of Senator Sir Victor Umeh, KSS, the senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District on Benue Killings at the floor of the senate, when Senator Umeh openly said, “I am a papal knight of the Church, and the killing of Catholic priests and the parishioners is condemnable”, noted that such striking demonstration of faith should be commended and emulated for lasting peace.
