---As Oha Izhi celebrates new Abakaliki Catholic Bishop, predecessor
BY VICTOR NWEGEDE
L-R: former Governor Martins Nwanchor Elechi, former Governor (Senator) Sam Ominyi Egwu, Bishop Emeritus Michael Nnachi Okoro, Governor David Nweze Umahi and the new Catholic Bishop of Abakaliki Diocese, Most Rev Dr Peter Nworie Chukwu.
Following the political permutations, zoning system and charter of equity on Ebonyi governorship position, the sitting governor, Engr. David Umahi has not yet okayed the move by the two former civilian governors of the state that the slot would be given to Ebonyi North Senatorial District come 2023.
Governor Umahi said that it is only God will decide who will succeed him come 2023 elections.
The governor stated this while speaking on Sunday during the Civic reception of the new Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki, His Lordship Most Rev. Dr. Peter Nworie Chukwu and appreciation of his predecessor, the Bishop Emeritus, his Lordship Most Rev. Dr. Michael Nnachi Okoro by Oha Izhi Nnodo Ekumaenyi at St Patrick's Parish Nduruku Amegu in Abakaliki Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
According to Umahi, in Ebonyi, the conference of governors including both the present and the past, does not priotize partisan politics, but always focuses on the human welfares and what could promote peace and unity among the people.
He, however, stated that it is too early to start discussing 2023 elections, stressing that he is still having a meaningful time to steer the apex position in the state before the electioneering campaigns would commence proper.
"In Ebonyi State, as far as the conference of governors is concerned, we don't do party, Sam Egwu is our Chairman, Martins Elechi or I may become Secretary or treasurer, but let me remind us that I have not less than six active months in office. So I'm sitting, and still sitting well, it's not yet time to start politics, and I believe when the time comes, God will decide who will succeed me," Umahi said.
He advised people to always be thankful to God, especially when they encounter favour; while frowning at a situation where one begins avoiding brotherly gatherings just because of one political interest or the other.
The governor prayed for the continuous elevation of the new Bishop Chukwu, while commending the Bishop Emeritus Okoro, and the Catholic community for their wonderful contributions in advancing the gospel around the globe.
He urged the new Bishop to assist his government to recover the missed ring road workers in Effium war-torn-zone in the state and warned Ebonyi residents to shun anything capable of fueling crisis in their various localities.
In his part, the new Bishop, Most Rev Dr Peter Nworie Chukwu commended Izhi people for celebrating with him and his predecessor, Bishop Emeritus Michael Nnachi Okoro.
Bishop Chukwu equally subscribed to the idea that the issue of Governor Umahi's successor in 2023, should be handed over to God as the electioneering time is yet to come.
He noted that every power belongs to God and urged Ebonyi people to allow God to decide on the person to occupy the governorship seat in 2023, while calling all and sundry to be an instrumentality to peace and unity in their respective families and communities.
Earlier, the first Civilian Governor of Ebonyi State and Senator representing Ebonyi North Senatorial District, Senator Sam Egwu commended Izhi people for remaining peaceful, saying that their accommodative spirit, hospitality and tolerance to him, and other leaders of the state, since its creation, would be replicated in 2023.
"It's not easy to pull out the two past governors and the sitting governor, three of us to honour this event. This is a full demonstration of love, Izhi people have shown to the leaders of this state.
"Izhi people have been known for their loyalty, accommodation and hospitality. None of Ebonyi governors, both in the past and presently, has complained against these people in the state, since the creation of the state.
"What I must assure you is that, in 2023, we will give you the same support, you have given us," Senator Egwu said.
He congratulated the new Bishop, his predecessor, and prayed that cardinal would emerge from the Catholic Church of Abakaliki Diocese soon.
Also speaking, the immediate past Governor of the State, Chief Martins Nwanchor Elechi, rejoiced over the colourful nature of the event, describing it as a remarkable one.
He equally assured Izhi people of producing the next governor of the state come 2023.
"I want to thank Izhi people for organizing this wonderful event. I urge you to continue to exercise that life of tolerance, you are known for, these people are disciplined. When they tried to contest in 2015, I told them that they should allow charter of equity to stand.
"Your Excellency in less than 2years now, we will be inaugurating Izhi man as your successor," Elechi said.
In his remark, the Speaker, Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru appreciated Governor David Nweze Umahi, the past governors of the state and other personalities who honoured the event.
Nwifuru recalled that it was the same part of Izhi land that all eminent Izhi sons and daughters converged in 2018, to endorse Governor David Umahi for his second term in office and thanked God for his overwhelming victory at the polls.
He said that Izhi people have again declared their unanimous support for Governor Umahi, should he declares interest for the 2023 presidency in considering his evident legacies in his current office for the benefit of Ebonyians.
He expressed joy that both the new Bishop and his predecessor all carried out their church activities in Izhi land, before their exaltation and prayed God to continue enriching them in health, wisdom and protection while serving humanity.
The Chairman of the Occasion, Chief Matthias Adum while reading the address by Oha Izhi, said that the event was held to celebrate the bishops following their tremendous impacts in the course of rendering services to God and the people in their various communities.
"It will be an understatement to say that Izhi land is blessed and privileged to have been graced in a very remarkable manner with the exemplary services and apostolate of these two ecclesiastical giants we are celebrating today in the persons of Most Rev. Michael Nnachi Okoro and Most Rev Peter Nworie Chukwu.
"This is because, both of them began their priestly apostolate in Izhi land and have earned the privilege of Episcopal service in Izhi land. And so, with high sense of gratitude and excitement, we are gathered here, today, to celebrate and give honour to them," Adum said.
Also, the Publicity Secretary of Oha Izhi Nnodo, Apostle Benjamin Obaji, pledged that the spirit of hospitality, brotherliness and oneness shall never depart from Izhi clan, pointing out that the celebration of the Bishops, is a well deserved one.
The event attracted high esteemed Ebonyi illustrious sons and daughters, including the present and past government functionaries, religion leaders, clergymen, traditional rulers, market women, among others.
