By Johnkennedy Uzoma, Owerri
The 1st Session of the 5th Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Ohaji/Egbema in Imo State has ended on Sunday 2nd July, 2023 with a special thanksgiving service held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church Mgbirichi, Ohaji.
The Synod with the Theme: Following Jesus: The Essence of Discipleship And Fruitfulness (Mathew 4:19) Witnessed the presence of the Governor of Imo State, Sen. Hope Uzodinma represented by his Deputy Prof. Placid Njoku, HRM Eze Ikegwuruka the traditional ruler of Mgbirichi Ancient kingdom, the PDP Governorship candidate Sen. Samuel Anyanwu and his deputy Governorship candidate Hon. Jones Onyereri amongst other dignitaries.
Presenting his address, the Bishop of the Diocese, The Rt. Rev’d Chidi Collins Oparaojiaku appealed to Governor Hope Uzodinma to use his good office to call the oil companies operating in Ohaji/Egbema LGA to order.
He admonished the oil companies operating in the area to come to the plight of their host communities with a view to providing them with their needs including tackling the poor state of their roads.
He said: “all roads in Ohaji/Egbema have been destroyed by these vehicles and some of the roads are impassable by ordinary cars or vehicles except those heavy duty vehicles, still they feel less concerned”.
The Bishop said that it’s not as if the peopke don’t know what to do pointing that the respect of the peaceful disposition of the Governor.
The man of God urged the Governor to mandate all the traditional rulers in Imo state to live within their areas of jurisdiction adding that such measure would help to reduce insecurity in the area.
He regretted that most of them instigate conflict in their communities and run to Owerri to hide.
He appealed to the Governor to warn the traditional rulers to desist from setting their communities at war and runing to Owerri for their safety.
According to him, if every Governor will rule his state from his domain and the same thing to the clergies, why then would most traditional rulers, judges, magistrate and teachers abandon their duty post to live offshore!.
The Bishop requested of the Governor to the fact that Ohaji/Egbema LGA that had produced well over 50 lawyers of repute more than many LGAs but has not been blessed either with a judge or a magistrate, adding that the situation is not in line with his excellency’s vision of Shared Prosperity statement.
Oparaojiaku poured encomiums on the Governor for his legacies put in place since assumption of office, recalling the number of well-constructed roads and durable network of roads built by his administration both in the outskirt and within Owerri municipal.
He also used his address to pay special tribute to the Governor for fulfilling all the promises made to the Diocese ranging from donation 80KVA generator, new brand bus amongst others.
Oparaojiaku advised politicians in the state to shun playing politics with bitterness during this era of electioneering campaign but with maturity and principled politicking for the benefit of the common man.
Responding, Governor Hope Uzodinma represented by his deputy Prof. Placid Njoku felicitated with the Bishop of the Diocese for his effort in restoring the dignity of the state.
The deputy Governor however promised to convey to the Governor all the requests and demands of the Bishop for action assuring that the Governor will certainly treat all the issue raised for the good of the people.
Also responding, the Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party Seen. Samuel Anyanwu applauded the Diocese for a successful synod.
