The Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of all Nigeria, The Most Rev Henry Ndukuba has called on the people of Anambra state to allow the will of God to prevail in their upcoming governorship election and ensure that they obtain their voters card to enable them participate in the election.
The Primate spoke at the service at Holy Trinity Church Aguleri, Anambra state to mark the 50th birthday anniversary and book presentation of the Bishop of Afikpo Diocese, The Rt Rev. Paul Amaechi Udogu. Primate Ndukuba prayed for state, the Governor and a gubernatorial candidate, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo and his deputy who participated in the service and urged the people of Anambra State to count on the readiness of God to visit the state in the election.
Earlier in the sermon, the Archbishop of Bendel Ecclesiastical Province and Bishop of Ughelli Diocese, The Most Rev. Dr Cyril Odutemu, appreciated God for the live and ministry of the celebrant, Bishop Paul Udogu and called on him to keep re straightening his faithfulness in the ministry. He expressed joy in the ministerial level and success of Bishop Udogu in his jubilee celebration and described him as bulldozer in mission work. Odutemu also spoke on the state of Anambra, pointing out that the state is blessed with men of “timber and calibre” and wondered why there should be condition of pandemonium and proposal of state of emergency in a state that was known to be very peaceful, loving and cherished by all.
The Governor of the state, Chief Willie Obiano, who attended the service with his candidate for the ensuing election appreciated the Primate and bishops and the church for their prayers and support.
Welcoming the Primate, the Archbishop of the Niger Province and Bishop of Awka Diocese, the Most Rev. Dr Alex Ibezim and the Bishop of Niger West Diocese, The Rt Rev. Johnson Ekwe separately noted that Aguleri is blessed for the visit of the Primate, and appreciated sufferings, grace and success in the life and ministry of God’s servant, Bishop Udogu which the church gathered to celebrate.
Also speaking, the Archbishop Emeritus of the Province of Niger and retired Bishop of Awka Diocese, The Most Rev. Maxwell Chukwunweike Anikwenwa cautioned the people of Anambra State to shine their eye in the coming election. Speaking as an elder in Igbo language, Anikwenwa said: “Ndi Anambra, uche unu di kwa ya” (Anambra people, let your mind be there). They should vote wisely.
In his response, the celebrant and the Bishop of Afikpo Diocese, Ebonyi State, Rt. Rev Paul A. Udogu, who hails from Anambra State, explained his relationship with the Primate and the Governor of the state which attracted their love and presence. He thanked God for His grace upon him and appreciated all and sundry.
Many dignitaries including Bishops and Archbishops and former President of Nigeria, Dr
Goodluck Jonathan, represented by the former Chaplain of States House Chapel, The Venerable Obioma Onwuzurumba, graced the occasion.
By Sunday Ibe And Princewill Ireoba
