Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo has eulogised the newly created Peter Cardinal Ebere Okpalaeke, saying his creation is a positive signal that Nigeria would soon witness a total rebirth.
Peter Cardinal Okpalaeke was rejected by as Catholic bishop of Ahiara diocese after the local clergy and laity insisted on an Mbaise bishop instead he was installed as bishop of Ekwulobia.
The governor expressed the optimism that the creation of Ebere Cardinal Okpalaeke will bring about a new dawn in Nigeria, South East, and indeed Anambra State.
Soludo spoke at a reception held in honour of the new Cardinal Okpalaeke at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, Ekwulobia yesterday.
He said because the creation happened in very unusual time, it is marvelous to behold, stressing that it will become a point of contact for something new to begin to happen in Nigeria.
“Two Cardinals in Africa and one of them from Nigeria. There must be something spiritual about it. I pray that this creation will become a point of contact that something new will happen in Nigeria- the new ideas and courage to know the right thing to be done in Nigeria, South East, and Anambra State”, the governor prayed.
Soludo said, “We’ve come to celebrate the unusual grace of God. It’s very historic and nothing else would have made this possible than the grace of God.
“Ekwulobia is the youngest of the whole Dioceses in Nigeria and now the stone that the builders rejected has become the Chief Corner stone. It was made possible by only the Grace of God who prepared him in this way, for there is a blessing in every challenge. On behalf of the people of Anambra State i welcome all of you to this wonderful ceremony”. Governor Soludo further said.
Speaking on behalf of all catholic bishops in the country, President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, Archbishop Augustine Akabueze congratulated the new Cardinal reminding him that the elevation is a call to additional service in the Lord’s vineyard.
“I implore God to bless you. Always say no to retaliation and exhibit a positive and forgiving attitude in this your new assignment,” the archbishop said.
“I thank the governor of Anambra State. May all your plans for Anambra State find fulfilment in God’s name,” he said.
Cardinal Okpalaeke who acknowledged his indebtedness to God for allowing him to be made a Cardinal in the Catholic Church, said, “since the announcement in May 2022 by Pope Francis, I have come to realize the fulfillment of God’s words in Isaiah 55:9. The news broke out while I was on a Pastoral visit at Nawfija, since then I have been in deep prayer to God, to enable me serve Him.”
While appreciating governor Soludo, he said that the church in Ahiara diocese remains very dear to him because he remains the second substantive Bishop of the Diocese, thanking God that the church is still alive.
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