Primate of all-Nigeria Anglican Church, His Grace, The Most Rev. Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba, has commended Imo governor, Hope Uzodimma, for his efforts in ensuring durable infrastructure in the state.
The cleric bared his mind on Sunday in his sermon at the dedication of the newly-built Cathedral Church of St. Peter Umuokanne, Ohaji, in Ohaji-Egbema local government area of Imo.
The Primate who regretted that those in positions of authority were facing challenging times today due to insecurity and other forms of injustices was, however, full of praises for Uzodimma over the latter’s policies on strategic infrastructural renewal in Imo.
He described Uzodimma’s projects as people-oriented, adding that the governor had continued to interface with stakeholders, pursuing peace vigorously and going about his leadership with the fear of God.
“As I drove to Orlu, I saw the road under construction from Owerri to Orlu and across the state.
“God will stand by you and help you do more. This is a very uncertain time and a very challenging time for every leader in the country but God will help you, he will grant you peace and God will grant us peace in Nigeria,” he said.
In his sermon, tagged: “Living stones and spiritual temple”, Ndukuba admonished the congregation to see the Cathedral Church he came to dedicate, as well as other places of worship in the country, as the place to run to in times of challenges.
He said that there is no problem God could not solve for the people if they prayerfully approach him with sincerity of heart, faithfulness and obedience.
He chided those responsible for killings in parts of the country, destruction of homes and places of worship, as well as authorities that have failed to bring such persons to book in the spirit of fairness and justice.
The Primate warned that the wrath of God is near for those who take him for granted.
Speaking, Uzodimma said he could not agree less with Archbishop Ndukuba that we need prayers in the country and that “God is the only solution to our problems.”
He reiterated that he had come to serve Imo people sincerely and with the fear of God and called on Imo people to be patient and supportive of his government, eschewing mayhem and violence.
He thanked Imo people and Ohaji-Egbema people in particular for the opportunity to be in their midst for the Cathedral Church dedication and used the event to remind them that his government is all inclusive.
“Under my leadership, I will do my best to pursue and ensure that we have peace; all l beg of you is to stop all forms of bloodletting and the things that result in violence and join hands with us to develop our state.
“We have the resources, human and material, and what it takes to do so is if only we can put forward our first 11. We are almost there,” he said.
Earlier, the Bishop of the Cathedral Church of St Peter Umuokanne Ohaji, Rt. Rev. Chidi Oparaojiaku, thanked Uzodimma for all he did, both in cash and kind, to ensure that the Church had a memorable dedication.
The event attracted many bishops, serving and retired, from different parts of the country, top federal and state political office holders, business moguls and traditional rulers of note from Imo. (NAN)