Nigeria @ 61: Obiano Urges Nigerians To Sustain Prayers For Country

As Nigeria prepares to mark its sixty-first independence anniversary on Friday October first, Anambra State Governor,Chief Willie Obiano has called on Christians to continue to pray for the state and nation.

Chief Obiano made the call at St Patrick’s Cathedral Awka, during a special Eucharistic celebration to commemorate the sixty-first Independence anniversary of Nigerian Nation, and one hundred years anniversary of Legion of Mary in Catholic church.

Government House Correspondent Emmanuel Okonkwo reports that Governor Obiano, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr Nkem Okeke pointed out that the country seriously needs God’s intervention in the numerous challenges it is presently facing especially insecurity, economic crunch, ineffective leadership, among others.

He noted that it is high time Nigerians came together and rebuild the country, shunning tribal and religious affiliations for the country’s indivisibility, progress and all-round development, as well as safety of life and property.

Governor Obiano used the opportunity to call on the state residents to vote for good governance and avoid moneybags’ politicians in the November poll.

In a homily, the Catholic Bishop of Awka, Most Reverend Paulinus Ezeokafor regretted the level of injustice and marginalization that has persisted in Nigeria over the years, pointing out that for Nigeria to remain an indivisible entity, fairness and justice must be allowed to prevail irrespective of tribal or religious affiliation in the country.

Attributing the current bad condition of Nigeria to bad leadership, Bishop Ezeokafor advised Ndi Anambra to vote with their conscience, and not for material gains during the November gubernatorial election to avoid developmental retrogression tendencies that abound in bad governance.

The Bishop however reminded Christians of the importance of propagating the gospel of Christ asking them to eschew selfishness and discrimination as they are not virtues of Christianity.

The special service, which attracted government officials including the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu, Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr. C-Don Adinuba, APGA standard bearer, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, among others, featured prayers for Anambra State and Nigeria, renditions by the choir, and thanksgiving by Anambra State government, families and individuals.