By Ikemefuna Asika
The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship, Most Reverend Paulinus Ezeokafor, has expressed deep concern about the epileptic nature of power supply in Anambra, saying it is shameful that a state that prides itself as the Light of the Nation cannot boast of electricity.
Bishop Ezeokafor stated this at the International Conference and Convention Centre, Awka, while delivering a homily during a Thanksgiving Mass organized to mark Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s two years in office.
The Bishop urged Soludo to find a way to address the constant power outages, noting that a state like Anambra should be enjoying uninterrupted power supply, adding that the Dubai-Taiwan Mantra would not be achieved when darkness has enveloped every nook and crannies of the State.
‘I understand that it is a general thing, but Anambra Government should find a way to fix it. The Governor is really trying. He has given us a glimmer of hope in terms of keeping his promises. He is doing roads, yes, and also employing teachers and health workers. That we know, but this issue of power should not be toyed with. I want Governor Soludo to exert energy in that area too. It is really giving Ndi Anambra serious cause for worry. I am concerned.
‘Another serious issue is building collapse. It is more disheartening when it is government’s property that are collapsing. I advocate that consultants with integrity and name be used in handling these building projects. In that way, they will be conscious of their name and firms.
‘They are less likely to compromise standards. The frequent news of building collapse is really not giving us a good image,’ Bishop Ezeokafor noted.
‘From what I gathered, some parents are majorly the culprits. They keep pushing their children away. I even heard that some are giving their children away to teachers to groom for them. They push primary school pupils and secondary school students to boarding schools, leaving their responsibilities to other persons.
It is so wrong. Let me say this here, nobody can train your children exactly the way you wish to. It’s not possible. I appeal to the Governor to put an end to this. After school lessons, they should allow these children to leave for their various homes.
‘During my time, I did not attend any lesson but I passed all my papers. I did very well, both in primary and secondary school. If I didn’t do well I would not be here today as a priest and eventually a bishop. I know they are doing it to get extra pay from the parents. The motivation is the money they are getting from these parents. They should find a way to teach whatever they want to teach during the regulation time.
‘I’m happy that the speaker is here alongside other lawmakers. They should do something in that regard. Children no longer spend adequate time with their parents. There is a diminishing return; once it sets in, the child can never respond to whatever thing you are dishing out. That thing you want to teach them after school, teach them during school hours,.
“The economic situation in the country now makes the increment of workers salary paramount, it should be looked into.
“The Church will also keep to the provisions of the burial law of the State” the Bishop said.
He maintained that he was at the venue of the event to celebrate with the Governor on his two years in office and to pray with and for him.
‘I congratulate the Governor on the many obvious positive strides he has brought to the people. His achievements within these two years are not simply earmarked projects, but ”eyemarked”; they are visible.
‘Once more, I congratulate the Governor and I pray God to keep inspiring him as he pilots the affairs of the state,’ Bishop Ezeokafor said.
