CHIKA NWABUEZE
Arch Bishop of Methodist Church Nigeria, Umuahia Diocese, His Grace, Most Reverend Chibuzo Opoko has declared that sycophants and praise-singers have taken over the administration of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, adding that the governor has another opportunity to write his name in gold in the history book of the state.
Addressing journalists in Umuahia at the end of the 58th Annual Diocesan Synod at the Methodist Cathedral Umuahia, Arch-Bishop Opoko disclosed that God has favoured Ikpeazu for him to work for the good of the Abia state. While he congratulated the governor on his reelection for a second term in office, Bishop Opoko said that the people of Abia state expect that salaries and pensions will be paid as and when due. He also tasked Ikpeazu to ensure that the Aba road from the shoprite end to Ubakala is reconstructed as well as to complete the Osisioma flyover, among other projects that deserve urgent attention in the state.
He said that Gov Ikpeazu has a good heart, but that something is happening which we may not know, and prayed for God to open his eyes to see those who do not wish his government well so as to remove them. ‘’Our expectation is that Gov Ikpeazu will do more in his second term. The Aba Road, Umuahia need urgent reconstruction work, and the Osisioma flyover should be completed. We expect that salaries, pensions and gratuities will be paid as and when due. This is the only way for him to write his name in gold. My prayer now is that all the people who have decided to keep Abia down will remain down and Abia will move up’’.
The Methodist Arch-Bishop lamented that the bad economy has affected offering in the church of God as worshippers rarely have money to offer to God. According to him, some members do not come to church again due to the economic crisis facing many families.
He advised the people to stop celebrating when government announces plan to do a project because it will make them not to execute the project again, and to pocket the money, saying that we should wait until the project is executed and completed before celebrating it. Many believed he is making reference to the Enyimba Economic City project by Abia state government which is said to have the capacity to generate 7000 jobs.
Speaking on the proposed radio for herdsmen, Opoko said it is corruption to use tax payers’ money to sponsor ethnic cum religions radio. He called on the federal government to stop forthwith the idea because it is already creating disaffection in Nigeria.
Bishop Opoko condemned the spate of suicide in the country today, while maintaining that the government has a role to play because the children that left school have no job, and no encouragement from the government. He pointed out that provisions should be made to give them hope, just as he called on President Muhammadu Buhari to do everything within his power to secure the release of Leah Shariub.
He said there is need to restructure the country to allow each region to develop at its pace. ‘’If Nigeria want to remain one, restructuring is the only option.