Bishop Ezeokafor’s Prudence Helped Anambra Government Save over N126m – Soludo

By Praise Chinecherem

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has dismissed as fallacious alleged rift between him and former governor and Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi.

He insisted that Obi remained his brother, irrespective of their political differences.

Speaking at St. Patrick’s Cathedral Awka, during the Thanksgiving mass for Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor in celebration of his 70th birthday, Soludo said he would soon be meeting with Obi to iron out their rifts which he said was essentially political.

The Governor also appreciated the Bishop for teaching him prudence, a virtue that had assisted the government save over N126m in cleaning offices in government house.

He said, “Today is very special. When we came into the service, it was the first time, my brother, Peter Obi and I are meeting in a public event and in a Catholic Church which two of us belong to. I think it was divine. 

“When I came in, I quickly went to where he sat and hugged him, people watched with bewilderment as if we’re acting drama. Is it not the same people quarrelling?

“Let me tell you, we spoke two times, just last night. We’re brothers. You know I’m not one of those politicians that speak from two sides of the mouth. I can’t pretend. I’m a politician, but also wants to make heaven. I’ll keep saying the truth.

“There’s no rift between Obi and I at a personal level. Nobody snatched each other’s wife. What appears to be the rift between us is fundamental political differences. Nothing else. 

“So for those forging blackmail and all that, including the one they said I collected bribe to say what I said, I asked them to bring it so I use it to construct roads. If Soludo is into bribe, I would have been multi trillonaire. 

“On the fundamental differences we have, we are going to meet in the next few weeks time. We’ve agreed to discuss and iron our differences. Unfortunately, he’s left. We must get it done. Anambra is for all of us.”

Appreciating God for sparing the celebrant’s life to attain the age of 70, Soludo said Ezeokafor has been of great influence on him and his government, especially in the area of prudence and patronage of locally made products. 

He said, “You changed my thinking when you visited my village house in 2019 and rejected the foreign wine offered to you in the place of palm wine. Today in governor’s lodge, the highest wine served there is palm wine. 

“I was also humbled by the moderate type of car you drove to my house. You told me you chose not to go with a vehicle far above the average of those you’re pastoring. I think this is examplary.

“When you see me drive Innoson cars, that’s part of the inspiration I got from you. If not for security, I would have been riding bicycle to work. 

“We’re taking the prudence you taught us to the next level because when we came in, it cost us over N137million to clean offices, now, it cost barely N11million. I can only promise to take the message to the world.”

Former Governor Peter Obi, in his congratulatory message to the Prelate, said he deeply cherished his friendship, particularly his support during his challenging tenure as Governor and thereafter.

He said, “Looking back in time, one can only say that you’ve dutifully continued to execute your covenant with God and his people in all ramifications. 

“The love of God which radiates through you to all the faithful is aptly captured in your motto which all the activities planned for your birthday, including empowerment of less privileged are practical demonstration of.

“Right from your priestly days, you’ve continued to deploy your knowledge and rich experience in the discharge of your pastoral duties. People and institutions that have interacted with you appreciate your dedication and hardwork.”