The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Anambra state, Most Reverend Paulinus Ezeokafor, has affirmed that a new Nigeria is possible, if the masses elect dependable and credible leaders that will tackle the challenges facing the country.
Most Reverend Ezeokafor stated this at Saint Thomas Aquinas Parish situated in the Government Reserved Area (GRA) of Awka, the Anambra state capital during his pastoral visit to the church for the celebration of feast of St. Thomas Aquinas.
Bishop Ezeokafor, who during the visit administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to about four hundred and sixty-two (462) confirmands, noted that Christians should be the salt and light of the nation by voting in credible and dependable candidates that will redeem the nation from hardship, insecurity, lawlessness and kidnapping.
The Prelate urged the electorates to look beyond political parties in their decisions on whom to vote for, but look at personalities that will guarantee justice, freedom, accountability, fear of God and love for the masses.
Most Reverend Ezeokafor noted that as a pastor of souls, he is in the position to direct God’s flock on how to get it right and, therefore, challenged the electorates not to allow any region of the country to dominate over others while reminding them that the South-east region of the country has for long been marginalized.
He further encouraged the electorate who have collected their permanent voters’ cards to participate in electing their leaders on the election days of 25th February (presidential) and 11th March, 2023 (gubernatorial) and urged them to desist from any form of vote-trading or violence.
The Sacrament of Confirmation is the second of the three sacraments of Christian initiation in the Catholic Church.
Confirmation completes baptism; it strengthens and reminds the Christian of his/her participation in the ministry and mission of Jesus Christ.
Reaffirming their faith during the confirmation, the confirmands promised to continue to propagate the gospel of Christ and be the light to others in darkness.
Edited by Amaka E. Nliam
