OBI, SOLUDO CONGRATULATE OKPALEKE ON HIS ENTHRONEMENT AS CARDINAL
REPORTER: CHUKWUBUIKE MADU
The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi, has congratulated the Catholic Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese, Peter Cardinal Okpaleke who canonically received the Red Hat from the Catholic Pontiff, Pope Francis, at a Consistory in Rome on Saturday.
In his Congratulatory Message to Cardinal Okpaleke and made available to Radio Nigeria, Mr. Obi described the new Cardinal as a huge blessing to the church in Nigeria and the universal church.
In the statement, Mr. Obi pointed out that Cardinal Okpaleke’s virtues of patience, understanding and wide perspectives on issues remained some of the valuable assets that had continued to propel him in his priestly vocation.
“By this ecclesiastical function, you have thus become a fully fledged Prince of the Universal Church,” Mr. Obi remarked.
The statement commended Cardinal Okpaleke’s exemplary conduct both as teacher, priest, administrator and bishop, saying that he had gathered great experiences to help him in his new office.
“Your priestly vocation has thus far been defined by exemplary conduct, deep spirituality and the admirable quality of allowing Gods purpose to unfold in your life. Your maturity and circumspection in crisis management are apposite for any higher managerial responsibility.
“With your rich background in relating with people and building institutions, we have no doubt that you will bring your vast knowledge and experience to bear in your new position as a Cardinal, which has effectively placed you in the first position among active clergies of the country,” he said.
Addressing journalists after the event at St. Peter’s Basilica Rome, the statement noted that Mr. Obi said that he was happy with the number of Nigerians, cutting across regions and religions, who came to identify with another Nigerian on a great occasion.
It noted that such spirit of love and unity is very characteristic of Nigerians.
According to the statement, Obi points out that such spirit of oneness, which transcends tribe, is highly needed in Nigeria’s political space, especially now the country has been badly wounded by collective effect of bad leadership.
It noted that the former Anambra State Governor prayed God to continue to bless the cleric and give him more wisdom to continue to shepherd the flock placed under his care.
Similarly, Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, expressed joy that one of the new Cardinals is a Nigerian and from Anambra State specifically.
The Governor, who led the Anambra delegation to the event, noted that Cardinal Okpaleke is worthy of emulation, especially now the state was set to regain its pride of place.
