Governor Rochas Okorocha has said that the killings in Plateau and Zamfara states were beyond religious killings stating that in some of the incidents both Christians and Muslims were victims.
ADVERTISEMENT
He stated that the country is at the moment passing through very difficult times and therefore urged religious leaders across the nation and indeed all Nigerians to pray to God for the peace of the country not minding where one comes from and which religion one belongs.
*ADVERTISEMENT*
The governor spoke weekend at the 10th Episcopal Anniversary of the Catholic Bishop of Orlu Diocese, Imo State, His Lordship, Most Rev. Augustine Ukwuoma at the Holy Trinity Cathedral Orlu, adding that some people have lost their sense of value for lives with the rate at which blood-letting is going on in this Country, noting too that the situation calls for God’s intervention.
His words “Initially, I thought that what was going on in some parts of the country was a religious war; but the Plateau and Zamfara killings have shown that what we have in our hands is beyond religious killings”.
ADVERTISEMENT
He continued “In these killings Muslims were killing Muslims and Christians killing Christians. They kill innocent citizens both young and old. And for us Christians, this is the time to pray for peace and love for one another”.
The governor however told the Bishop “the reason I join the world to celebrate you at your 10th Episcopal Anniversary is that you are a very good Bishop. You are the kind of Bishop that uses his office to attract people to God rather than chase them away from God. And that has endeared you to God”.
The governor also commended the Orlu Catholic Diocese for starting a University Project, stating that he had challenged the Bishop about two years ago that the Diocese should start a university and expressed the joy that the Diocese has begun the University Project.
He further stated “I also remember that the Imo State Government promised to donate a taken of N100million for the University Project, of which N50million had been given. And let me use this opportunity to ask that the balance of N50million would be paid immediately to complete the N100million”.
The Bishop had earlier in his speech thanked God for being solidly behind him in his priesthood and also thanked the governor and the government he heads for showing special interest in things of God.
Among the highlights of the event was an Award to the governor by the Diocese for his outstanding service to God and humanity.