Carnival, as politicians storm bishop's ordination

BY CHINENYEH OZOR

Nsukka—The ordination of a new Catholic Bishop for Nsukka Diocese, Rev. Godfrey Igwebuike Onah in Enugu State was yesterday turned to a carnival as politicians tried to position themselves ahead of the 2015 general elections.

Onah succeeded Bishop Emeritus Francis Okobo, who retired from the position due to old age.

Among those who graced the occasion included President Goodluck Jonathan, Senate President David Mark as well as three South East governors, Sullivan Chime (Enugu), Rochas Okorocha (Imo) and Peter Obi (Anambra), and members of the national and state assemblies.

Jonathan was represented by his Political Adviser, Senator Ben Obi, while 35 other Catholic Bishops with over 1,000 reverend fathers and other Christian faithful participated in the ordination service.

Jonathan who was the special guest of honour expressed gratitude over the peaceful  ordination/installation of the second Bishop of the  diocese, and wished the new Bishop God’s protection and strength to lead his flock in God’s vineyard.

Enugu State governor, Sullivan Chime, who was represented by his deputy, Sunday Onyebuchi, said the ordination would strengthen good relationship between the state government and the  Catholic Church in the state and asked the new bishop to use his wealth of experience to ensure peace in the diocese.

He noted that Bishop Emeritus, Rt. Rev. (Dr.) Francis Okobo led Nsukka Catholic diocese to an enviable height and urged Bishop Onah to improve on what he met on the ground, saying “his selection and ordination was not by accident but rather the fulfilment of what was destined by God.”

Earlier in a homily the Bishop of Awgu Diocese, Most Rev John Okoye noted that insecurity in any form and nature including armed robbery, rape, violent crimes and terrorism had taken the centre stage of the country’s problems and urged government to address the issues as they portray the county in very bad light throughout the world.

Okoye also said that youth restiveness and unemployment should be tackled as a matter of necessity.

“Today the issue of pornography and sex has fast eroded the moral consciousness of the future generation. We are witnessing an invasion of incidence of television, radio and print media by those who champion pornography for their selfish economic gains. This must be checked. We need to make laws that respect moral boundaries in the use of social communication,” he noted.

Meanwhile, Nsukka Catholic Diocese which was founded with 27 parishes with the emeritus Bishop Okobo borrowing priests from other dioceses now has 102 parishes with 144 priests.