PRE-INAUGURATION SERVICE: A LOT IS AHEAD OF YOU- ARCHBISHOP CHUKWUMA TELLS UGWUANYI
The Archbishop Enugu Ecclesiastical Province of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, the Most Reverend Emmanuel Chukwuma, has expressed gratitude to God for the peace, unity and good governance being enjoyed in Enugu State under the administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
Archbishop Chukwma made this known at the Government House, Enugu, on Sunday during the Inter-Denominational Church Service organized by the State Government as part of the activities marking the second term inauguration of Governor Ugwuanyi and his deputy, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo.
The Archbishop, who maintained that “no state in Nigeria is as peaceful as Enugu State,” also thanked God for the peaceful general election in the state and successful first term of Governor Ugwuanyi’s administration, declaring that God would be in control of his second term.
Describing the event as a service of transformation, Archbishop Chukwuma noted that the entire Church in the state gathered on the last Sunday of the first term of the present administration not only to thank God for its successful end, but to offer prayers and hand over the governor’s second term into the hands of God.
The cleric, who expressed delight at the choice of Government House as venue of the event, commended Governor Ugwuanyi for his first term’s performance and advised him to remain faithful to God and committed to his resolve to render more selfless service to the people of the state.
He added that the Governor remained a peaceful man, who had reconciled leaders in the state and taught politicians how to forgive one another.
“Your Excellency, you have done well in your first term, most especially in infrastructural development. A lot is ahead of you. You have kept your word; Enugu State has continued to pay salaries consistently.
“You have employed more workers than your predecessors. We are glad that work is going on at the Enugu International Conference Centre abandoned in the past. This shows that you are a silent achiever, who believes in continuity of good governance,” Archbishop Chukwuma said.
The Archbishop equally lauded Governor Ugwuanyi for his swift intervention in averting the move to downgrade the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, calling on the South East Governors to put more efforts to safeguard the airport.
Other highlights of the inter-denominational service were bible readings, praise worship and intercessory prayers for the church, the country, the poor, the governor and security of the state and country.
The occasion was graced by the governor’s wife, Mrs. Monica Ugwuanyi; his deputy, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo; the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Priscilla Emehelu; President, Customary Court of Appeal, Justice George Nnamani; former Governor of the old Enugu State, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo; President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo; Senator Chukwuka Utazi; Senator Hyde Onuaguluchi; Archbishop of Enugu Methodist Church Nigeria, the Most Rev. Christopher Ede; Bishop Godwin Madu of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) among others.
CHUKWUMA EZEOGU