Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, OFR, says that the massive support that greeted the announcement of his governorship election victory in 2023 is the reason his administration will not fail in living up to expectations of the people.
Governor Otti stated this on Tuesday, December 9th, while receiving in audience a delegation of the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, His Grace, Most Rev. Michael Francis Crotty, who called on the Governor at Michael Okpara Auditorium, Government House Umuahia.
The State Chief Executive said, “In fact, the other day, I was watching the video and I said, maybe that’s one of the reasons why this government cannot fail because it was supported by virtually everybody” Gov. Otti stated..
Governor Otti noted that his government treats everybody equal, not minding one’s religious or political inclinations and expressed his happiness in having the Apostolic Nuncio in Abia State.
“We try to treat people equally in spite of religion, creed, tribe, ethnic group. We are all born poor and we are all poor before the Lord.
“So, we try to treat people fairly and equally. So, we are very happy to have you here” Gov. Otti stated .
While thanking the Catholic Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, Most Rev. Michael Kalu Ukpong for finding 15 young men worthy to be Deacons, he assured to identify with them at the ceremony.
Gov. Otti urged him to extend his greetings to the Pope as well as the Abia born, Most Rev. Fortunatus Nwanchuku, who the Governor described as his brother, kinsman and father in the Lord.
“The Most Rev. Fortunatus Nwanchukwu. He’s actually my brother. We are from the same place.
“He’s a major part of this administration, because he actually spent a lot of time praying before our emergence” Gov. Otti stated.
In his speech, the Apostolic Nuncio and Ambassador of the Holy See to Nigeria, His Grace, Most Rev. Michael Francis Crotty, who was visiting Abia for the first time, said that the church would be raising new 15 young men to be ordained as deacons; which he described as the first step on the path to priesthood.
He appreciated the good relationship and cooperation existing between Governor Otti and the Catholic Church especially, Umuahia Diocese, and said that he is honoured by the Governor’s reception.
“As has already been explained, I am the representative of the Holy Father here in Nigeria. My immediate boss in Rome is Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu, who is from Abia State.
“So, you can see Abia State is well represented at the highest levels, also in the Holy See, in the Vatican. So, I have been waiting a long time to come here.
Earlier, while introducing the Apostolic Nuncio, the Catholic Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, Most Rev Michael Kalu Ukpong said that the Nuncio is visiting Abia State because of the silver jubilee dedication of Mater Dei Cathedral, one of the Catholic Faith masterpiece structures in the whole of Abia and Igbo land.
He disclosed that they would use the opportunity of the dedication to ordain 15 young men Deacons, and informed the Apostolic Nuncio that the Governor and Catholic Church has been having cordial relationship since he emerged the Governor.
“This year, 25 years after, we are remembering that special day of dedication, and His Grace, the Apostolic Nuncio has been so kind to honour us with his presence in this unique celebration.
“And the same tomorrow, to mark this jubilee, we are going to ordain 15 young men, deacons. They will be raised to the order of deacons. So, we lift them from being lay people in the Catholic Church to the holy orders.
“Your Excellency, Nuncio, it may please you to know that we have been having a very good relationship with Governor Otti. better than we have had it in the past, Most Rev. Ukpong stated.
The Chief of staff to the Governor, Honourable Commissioners, SSA on Religious Matter among others were present at the event.
Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
