BY ABUCHI ONWUMELU
The Catholic bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, has described the emergence of the former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi as the running mate to the presidential candidate of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), Alh. Atiku Abubakar as a blessing to all Nigerians, even as he urged Igbo political leaders to shun personal interest and support Atiku/Obi's project.
Bishop Ezeokafor who stated this at St. Gabriel's Catholic Church, Ifitedunu, in Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State while reacting to the state of the nation, thanked the former vice president of Nigeria for choosing Obi, noting that with Atiku, as a politician and Obi, as a great manager of resources, at the helm of affairs Nigeria's economic and administrative challenges would be adequately tackled.
The Catholic prelate noted that he (Ezeokafor) had no doubt, that, the duo, if given the opportunity to lead the country would deliver, emphasizing that the Atiku /Obi's combination would put smiles on the faces of the masses, adding that he was more than convinced that the two job creators and renowned human capital developers would place Nigerians on the path of progress.
Bishop Ezeokafor while speaking on Atiku/Obi's ticket, maintained his stance on restructuring, noting that restructuring remained the only way through which every part of the country would be proud of what they had as a race, even as he advocated for real confederation as practiced in America,
He stated that for Nigeria to make any headway they must revisit what they had in the constitutional conference.
Bishop Ezeokafor expressed the hope that Atiku as a president and Obi as his vice, would not disappoint the Nigerian populace.
'Current Nigeria's problem is lack of economic management and mal-administration. I think, with Atiku and One at the helm of affairs, Nigerian would be changed for good. We are tired of leadership ineptitude. .
'I think without having all the facts, Obi's emergence is the greatest thing to have happen to Nigerians in recent times. It is a blessing to Igbo race. We have been long been forgotten. Those who know Obi's antecedent know him as a great manager of resources. Atiku/Obi, what a great combination,' he said.
The Cleric said he had already started forseeing greater and prosperous future for all Nigerians with the two men managing the affairs of the country, urging the people to consider Atiku /Obi ticket, adding that Ndi Igbo would feel belonged with the current arrangement.
'I think these two great men will salvage this country. Not because Peter is from Anambra State but, because of his outstanding performance in governance. I was in Sokoto sometime in September this year, you need to see how people were talking about Obi's visit to various northern schools. He offered educational materials and monetary support to every school he visited.
'Talking about education, in Anambra State, Obi returned schools to their rightful owners, which is the Church and also equipped both mission and public schools. Today, you can see where that singular decision has taken Anambra State educationally. Anambra's Students are now taking first position in organized competitions.
According to Bishop Ezeokafor, If, Obi could replicate what he did in Anambra State as a governor for Nigeria, Nigerians would be better for it, saying that the Church would continue to pray them.
On Buhari's administration, Bishop Ezeokafor described it as most unfavourable and insensitive, noting that he (Buhari) judging by his continued silence on the killings and maiming of innocent Nigerians lacked the political will to quell the situation.
'We are tired of this government, we need a detribalized Nigerian as a leader not a leader with dictatorial and despotic tendencies. Imagine a country where people who are agitating to be on their own will be labeled terrorists while people who are moving about with guns in the name of herdsmen are pampered.
'A country where agitators that have neither stick nor stone except their mouth are manhandled and treated like outcasts. Buhari's administration is unfavourable to Nigerians, especially Christians. What we need now is positive change not this type of change we are witnessing today,' Bishop Ezeokafor concluded.
