By Praise Chinecherem
Governor of Anambra State, Prof Chukwuma Soludo has restated his administration commitment towards ensuring a safe and secure state amidst security challenges.
Soludo disclosed this in Awka during the 2024 edition of Anglican Prayer Rally of Anambra State (APRAS) with theme “It shall be well with the Righteous” taken from Isaiah 3:10.
The governor who spoke through his Deputy, Dr Onyekachi Ibezim acknowledged the flashes of insecurity in parts of the state but insisted that government was not resting until every part of the state was rescued from criminal elements.
He said, “It is true that we have challenges here and there; but it doesn’t mean we are not working and we will continue working. We knew there would be challenges because without it, there will be no need for leadership.
“What we need is prayer and that is why we find this event very important. It shows that once we put our trust in God, every other things will go right.”
Soludo further enumerated the infrastructural strides of his administration, including the venue of the rally, Dr Alex Ekwueme Square, ongoing construction of new government house, among others.
“You can see the expansion going on here. We want to make it befitting for activities like this. When we are through, you will not need to hire chairs to sit down.
“Also, if you turn your back, you see the state’s Government House, which had been abandoned for almost 32 years. Now, see it at your back, almost completed”.
“Just two days ago, an organization called BudgIT ranked the performance of government across Nigeria and Anambra came third after Rivers and Lagos. It shows that Anambra is in the hand of God.
“Mr Governor sent me to tell you that we are working on your mandate and we shall not disappoint you,” he added.
Archbishop, Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka, Most Rev’d Alexander Ibezim, traced the unending struggle of man on earth to his disobedience and wickedness.
“The corruption that invaded the human race from the time of the dragging away of Adam and Eve as a result of disobedience, gave back to hardship and difficulties.So, since the fall of man, sin entered the world and separated us from the life of abundance except for those who stand righteous,” he said.
The Prelate further charged the congregants to resolve to be righteous in the face of unfriendly socio-economic realities in the country.
“Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the food offered at the king’s table. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God.
“Abraham became the father of nations because he stayed righteous to God. And of course, Enoch walked with God and he was no more because God took him.
“We don’t buy righteousness with money. We don’t buy righteousness politically. We don’t buy righteousness religiously. Righteousness for us is imputed by faith. Whenever you encounter Jesus as your Lord and personal Savior, there will be a turn around,” Ibezim said.
Earlier in a sermon, Bishop of Ihiala Diocese, Rt Rev’d Israel Kelue Okoye, decried the manner many preachers and Christians have comported themselves which had cast aspersions to the religion.
“Many people now refer to Christianity as a scam just because of the activities of many fake preachers and brethren. Referring to Christianity as a scam is a fallacy of illegitimate reductionism.
“You see a sinner and wicked and you tell him God bless you when the bible say it shall not be well for the wicked. We are in a country where if you know nobody, your survival is in jeopardy.
“We must do away with christianity made easy which makes people seek God in their way. Evil and wickedness has taken over our land. Christ is looking for disciples not church goers and preachers.
“It is time to seek the face of God for mercy. We must hold the bible as the word of truth,” he concluded.
The event, which drew Anglicans from all dioceses in the Province of the Niger, featured praise and worship while prayers were offered for the prosperity of Anambra State and Nigeria at large.
