BY AMUCHE AGBO
Ebonyi Governor, Engr. David Umahi has commended Catholic community in the state for being supportive of his adminstration since his assumption of office in 2015.
Umahi gave the commendation at the Cvic Reception in Honour of the new Catholic Bishop of Abakaliki Diocese, Bishop Peter Nworie Chukwu and Appreciation of Bishop Emeritus, Most Rev. Dr. Michael Nnachi Okoro by Oha Izhi Nnodo Ekumenyi, held at Saint Patricks Catholic Parish, Nduruku Amegu in Abakaliki Local Government Area of the state.
Governor Umahi who harped on the need for people to always show appreciation for good deeds to subscribe for more in return, appealed to the body of the Bishops to use their positions to appeal to those causing crisis in Effium and Ezza Effium Community to release the contractors kidnapped by unknown gunmen along Effium axis of Abakaliki ring road to avoid further consequences.
He announced that his adminstration would construct the Enyigba-Nduruku road under the slot of Abakaliki Local Government Area in the next batch of 5km of road construction next year and made a donation of ten million naira to the church for the completion of the building.
On their parts, the immediate past Governor of the State, Chief Martin Elechi and Senator representing Ebonyi North Zone at the National Assembly Dr. Sam Egwu congratulated the Bishop and Bishop Emeritus for their selfless services to God and extolled Oha Izhi Nnodo for their unprecedented show of gratitude for the services of the Bishops and prayed God to continue to bless them.
They encouraged the new Bishop not to be weighed down by the demands of the new responsibility but hold on to God for guidance in his services to God and humanity.
The duo equally assured Izhi people of their support come 2023 governoship election, following their support to them and present administration in the state.
The Speaker of Ebonyi House of Assembly, Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, commended the guests especially the two former Governors Chief Martin Elechi and Dr. Sam Egwu for their show of solidarity, assured that Izhi Nation would continue to be supportive to Governor Umahi's led adminstration to bequeath to Ebonyi State the most developed city in Nigeria.
Chief Nwifuru applauded Bishop Peter Nworie Chukwu and Bishop Emeritus, Bishop Michael Nnachi Okoro for excellent humanitarian and spiritual services rendered to Izhi people during their apostolate duties in some parts of Izhi land.
Earlier in an address of welcome, the Chairman, Central Organizing Committee of the event, Chief Mathias Adum, appreciated the Bishop and Bishop emeritus for their humanitarian services to people of Izhi clan during their Apostolate stints in the areas.
In his speech, the Bishop of Abakaliki Diocese, Most Reverend Peter Nworie-Chukwu, thanked Governor David Nweze Umahi for his continued support to the Catholic Mission in Ebonyi State and assured the Parishioners of Saint Patrick's Parish Ndiuruku Amegu that he would take special consideration to them.
He lauded Oha Izhi Nnodo for the honour given to him and his predecessor and promised to always remember them in prayers.
He pledged that the Church would continue to pray for the peace of Ebonyi people and for peaceful transition to the anointed leaders in 2023.
Meanwhile Oha Izhi Nnodo made the presentation of two Hyundai Jeeps and a utility Bus for the Bishop, Reverend Peter Nworie Chukwu and Bishop emeritus, Most Reverend Michael Nnachi Okoro.
The event attracted distinguished personalities across the State, clergymen among others while highlights of the event were cultural troops by different groups.
