By Chukwudum Ebele
The Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Orthodox Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Solomon Okonkwo, Venerable Dr. Sopuluchukwu Umeojiaka and others have advised Nigerian leaders to seek the face of God for solutions to the myriad of problems threatening the security, coexistence and unity of the country.
Bishop Okonkwo gave the advice during the Trinity Diaconate Ordination service which held recently at Christ Orthodox Anglican Church, Nkpologwu, Aguata local government area of Anambra state.
“I advise Nigerian leaders to firstly, seek the face of God if they really need solution or else this country will remain in a quagmire. Until they involve God, who knows the end from the beginning and who can reveal the problems and proffer solutions for this country, they can never make headway. God knows how to calm the storms and agitations,” said the prelate.
Moreover, Umeojiaka also stressed the need for both those in government and the governed to embrace God who gives men wisdom and direction for their various pursuits in life.
“Violence cannot solve our problems but anyone fighting for self-determination should not be molested. Government should pursue whatever agreement they have in common with other countries of the world regarding self-determination. The international world has right to self-determination.
“Government should look into the issue of lopsided political appointments, calls for restructuring and do the needful. Let them do anything that can bring peace in this country. If this nation belongs to everybody, let it be for everybody in practice,” said Umeojiaka.
According to the diocesan chancellor, Chief Ifeanyi Agbogu,”self-determination is a right for everybody. Government should listen to agitators but agitators should know they are still within a sovereign government. I advise agitators to come together and form a strong political body, sponsor people into the legislature and from there use legal processes to pursue their course.”
Meanwhile, the newly ordained deacons included Reverends – James Okonkwo, Chukwuemeka Ezendianefo, Tochukwu Okeke, Chukwuemerie Okpalajimba, Anthony Chukwuebuka, Simon Ede and Luke Nwankwo.
They were charged to be faithful and focus on God who called them into service for more power, anointing, grace and upliftment.
Similarly, the event featured the appointment of Barr. Chukwunonso Ogbogu into the office of diocesan registrar, the elevation of all the former reverend priests present, including Rev’d Canon Tochukwu Ezugo, into the office of the reverend canon.
Speaking on behalf of the newly ordained deacons, Rev James Okonkwo thanked the bishop, the bishop’s examining chaplain, other ministers, church members, parents and friends who contributed to the success of the ordination and realisation of their dreams and calling, pledging that they would carry out their ministries in the fear of God until death.