2023 General Elections: Eschew Vote Selling, Bishop Ezeokafor Urges Catholic Faithful
By Nonye Muo
Awka, July 5, 2022 (MOI)
The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, has urged Catholic faithful to eschew vote selling during the 2023 general elections so as to enthrone good leadership.
Bishop Ezeokafor gave the advice on July 3 during his Pastoral visit to Annunciation Catholic Parish, Awka, which featured confirmation of candidates, Blessing of the newly completed Belfry and turning of SOD for Nursery/Primary School Classroom block.
No fewer than 156 candidates received the Sacrament of Confirmation during the visitation.
The Prelate complained seriously on the issue of bad governance in the country, pointing out that the only solution to make the country move forward is by voting wisely.
He lamented that things were getting worse on daily basis, saying that the citizens must tackle the menace through the enthronement if good leadership.
“You should not collect money to vote wrongly because whoever gives you money to cast a vote for him will definitely be a bad leader.
“Do not sell your votes; therefore, all the Catholic faithful should take an oath not to collect money from anybody.’’
Bishop Ezeokafor urged everyone to go and get their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) especially the youths who must have attained the age of 18.
Continuing in his homily which was titled, “The labourers are few’’ he said that there were lots of works proclaiming the good news but that the labourers were very few.
“It is necessary and a good thing for all of us to join in evangelizing and making ourselves available to do God’s work.’’
The Prelate while adding that the family is the grassroot of evangelism, made the congregation to know that the type of training given to children from the nursery to the secondary levels determines their future.
“You do not expect your children to behave well when you, the parent, is radical. Foundation is the key. Parents should have time for family prayers and time to interact with the children.’’
He charged those who received the Sacrament of Confirmation to always defend Jesus Christ and His church anywhere they found themselves.
On the Turning of SOD for Nursery and Primary School Classroom blocks, he said that Annunciation Parish comprises of Academic Personnel that value education, in order words the decision made to embark on school project was a good idea.
He thanked the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Victor Igwegbe and the Priest in residence, very Rev. Fr. T. Obiora and parishioners for their support.
The Parish Priest extolled the Bishop for finding out time to visit the Parish.
Some dignitaries at the Mass include, Ezenebo lll of Akwaeze, Igwe Christopher Okpala, Deputy National Chairman Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Damian Okeke and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Diaspora Affairs, Dr. Laz Okafor.
Others are, a former Commissioner for Women Affairs, Anambra State, Dr. Ego Uzoezie, the Acting Director, Ministry of Information, Anambra State, Mr. Anthony Nweke and the Labour Party Flag bearer for Awka North/South Federal Constituency Prof. Lilian Oby Orogbu. (MOI)
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