2011: Bishop Wants Nigerians To Eschew Violence

The Anglican Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Rt. Rev.  Emmanuel Olisa Chukwuma, has charged Nigerians especially the political class to eschew violence, bitterness and rancour with a view to installing a stable democratic structure in the country come 2011 general elections.

He, also, assured Nigerians that the church would continue to impact on the socio-  spiritual lives of the people, as the 2011 general election draws nearer.

Making his feelings known while briefing newsmen Monday on preparations for the 40th Anniversary celebration of the Enugu Anglican Diocese, at the Bishop’s Court, Enugu, the man of God declared that election violence would reduce if political office seekers play the game in line with the laid down rules.

The Cleric also stressed the need for the Church not to shy away from politics, stressing that religious leaders through the Church should be on toes of the politicians at all times with a view to checking arbitrary rules especially as the “Church is the conscience of the nation”.

His words: “Even if I am not in partisan politics but I am involved in politics by keeping our politicians on their toes. We are going to mobilise our people for the forthcoming general elections so that we can have credible elections. We need political leaders with integrity and selflessness. Political office holders should give account to us for us to know whether we shall elect them or not.”

On the 40th anniversary celebration, of the Enugu Diocese, Bishop Chukwuma traced the history of the Diocese to the era of the pioneer Bishop, Rt. Rev. Gideon Otubelu of the blessed memory who he recalled served the Diocese meritoriously for no fewer than 27 years before he joined his ancestors.

He disclosed that he (Bishop Chukwuma) took over the mantle of leadership of the Diocese in 1998, hinting that the Diocese was carved out of Niger Diocese from the ruins of the Nigerian civil war.

“We had challenges but we saw them as developmental challenges. Today, we are happy that there is peace and joy in the Enugu Diocese. What we are celebrating is a celebration of goodness of our Lord and the women are not left out as they have equally made a mark especially in schools, health and campaign against indecent dressing”.

While expressed gratitude to God for sustaining the Diocese in the last 40years, the Bishop also thanked all their benefactors and friends of the Church for their support and encouragement at all times, praying the good Lord to reward them abundantly.

He, however, disclosed that the laying of foundation stone of the Diocese Micro-Finance Bank would be one of the events lined up for the anniversary celebration. which would end next Sunday October 31, 2010 with a thanksgiving service at the Cathedral of the good Shepherd, Independence Layout Enugu.

He named Dr Mrs. Chika Ndiokwelu , and the former Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) , Professor Chinedu Nebo, are some of the distinguished Nigerians expected to deliver lectures during the celebration.

According to him, apart from the launching of a book entitled: “History of Diocese of Enugu at 40”, on Saturday, October 30, the week long event would also feature Prize giving and Award of Honours to deserving members of the church including post humus awards.

The Bishop ,had during the briefing enumerated some of the achievements recorded by the Enugu Diocese under his headship since he came onboard in 1998, to include creating of several Diocese as a way of winning more souls for Christ, especially in the rural communities, adding that the Diocese had also during the period under review established several mission schools, opened chapels at various hospitals in Enugu state as well as in the prison yards, hinting that it also established the Good Shepherd Specialist Hospital at Uwani, Enugu, among other achievements.