‘’Don’t kill anybody for 2019 elections’’, Archbishop Okoh warns politicians

The Archbishop Metropolitan and Primate of all Nigeria Anglican Communion, Most Rev Nicolas Okoh at the weekend called on politicians to be mindful of their utterances to avoid heating up the polity during 2019 general elections.

Okoh appealed to the Politicians to conduct themselves in a manner that will promote peace and rule of law, rather than indulging in activities that would jeopardize the 2019 general elections.

Okoh spoke at the Cathedral Church of Andrews Amichi in Nnewi South Local Government area of Anambra State during a two day working visit in the diocese for their 10 years anniversary celebration of its creation and Bishop Ephraim Ikeakor’s 10th year episcopacy.

The Primate tasked politicians on peaceful election, saying that there is very high tension in the country, which he described as threat to the nation’s unity.

He noted that: “the Nigeria state is bigger than any individual. So, all of us have a duty to ensure that Nigeria is not harmed in the course of electioneering campaign, during the elections and after the elections. These three stages are very critical. We should work hard to ensure that peace reigns. If you win, be considerate in your victory, and if you lose, don’t kill anybody because of that.

Archbishop Nicolas Okoh who used the opportunity to commend Bishop Ephraim Ikeakor for his 10 years Episcopal anniversary and dedication of projects built by the Bishop in the last ten years said the diocese is replicating the tripod evangelism of the early missionaries, hinged on education, medical services and the church.

“Let Amichi diocese continue with what they are doing because they are building along the tripod that the missionaries brought to us. That is education, medical services and the church. It is not enough to go to church; you must serve the people and make sure that when they come to church, they have opportunity to get their problems solved, not only through prayers but through medical and agriculture because the diocese is also involved in agricultural development.

Some of the projects dedicated by Primate Okoh include: College of Nursing Sciences, Masters Vessel Seminary, Sure Anchor Micro Finance bank, diocesan integrated farm, Admin secretariat among other facilities.

Bishop of Amichi used the 10th anniversary of the diocese and his episcopacy to honour some individuals and families that contributed for the progress of the diocese.

Some of the recipients that bagged the distinguished Temple Builders award include: Chief Chidi Anyaegbu, Chief SN Ukachukwu, Sir Emmanuel Umeohia, Sir Michael Agazie,  Mr and Barr Mrs Chinedu Okeke, Chief Abraham Oti and Chief Okwudili Oti as well as families of Ikebaba Nzewi family; Dr Samson Obichi; Chief Benjamin Atuchukwu and Prof G.EO Ogum family.

Bishop Ikeakor, in an Interview, thanked God for given him the strength and wisdom to shepherd the flock in the past ten years, saying that the diocese introduced some programmes like the prayer breakfast, wailing women prayer summit for the women, the first born search, kneeling in his presence for the women, covenant Sunday, night of evidence to arm the congregants on spiritual matters.

He also expressed happiness that he was able to accomplish the mission and vision statement of the diocese as enshrined in the maiden Synod of the diocese held at Osumenyi which according to him, included preaching the gospel holistically and propagating the evangelism in four dimensions as quality education, robust healthcare provision, agriculture, and pragmatic social welfare and services.

In their separate reactions, Anambra state Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, a chieftain of the People’s Democratic party, Mr. Godwin Ezeemo and the senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA in Anambra south, Prince Nicolas Ukachukwu eulogised Bishop Ikeakor for using his God given talent and wisdom to transform the diocese to an enviable height, calling on others to emulate him.

While Obiano who was represented by Ven. Amechi Okwosa, described the development in the diocese as awesome.