As Nigerians celebrate the 2020 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, has called for concerted efforts in ensuring a one united, sustained, secured and indivisible nation.
The Bishop who stated this while delivering a homily during the Concelebrated Eucharistic Holy Mass to mark this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration.
Bishop Ezeokafor said any government that could not protect life and property was worthless and should not be seen or regarded as a government, emphasizing that the primary duty of any serious government was its ability to put in place adequate security.
The Prelate who took his time to shower encomiums on security agents both serving and retired, appealed to the Federal Government of Nigeria to ensure that necessary logistics were provided to enable the security agents to carry out their duty effectively and efficiently.
The Bishop urged those In-charge of the entitlements of the retired and deceased security agents to ensure that the beneficiaries received it as and when due.
He frowned at the way and manner those in authority tried to siphon monies meant for the welfare and well-being of the security personnel, describing the act as a grievous sin before God.
The outspoken Bishop Ezeokafor stated that appointment of Service Chiefs should be on merit and not the other way around, stressing that those called to serve must do it diligently and wholeheartedly.
The Catholic Prelate stated that the security of life and property of the people should not be sacrificed on the altar of nepotism, favouritism and religion, advising the government to ensure that square pegs were placed on square holes whenever they embarked on appointment of Service Chiefs.
Bishop Ezeokafor enjoined all to be patriotic and support the security agents, noting that members of the Armed forces were doing their best and needed to be encouraged and commended, adding that they risked their lives for the nation and they deserved to be appreciated, catered for and adequately remunerated.
He urged those on the saddle to borrow a leaf from Anambra State’s security architecture which, he described as the best in the country, stating that Anambra State remained the most secured State in Nigeria.
Speaking on the day’s celebration, Bishop Ezeokafor said that the Church was also celebrating the Solemnity of Baptism of Jesus Christ, noting that today marked the end of the Christmas season.
The Bishop stated that no one would see God except he got baptized in the Trinity, saying that Jesus Christ, though, sinless, agreed to be baptized in order to fulfill all righteousness, adding that baptism played a significant role in the life of every Christian.
Bishop Ezeokafor while emphasized on the importance of Baptism prayed for all security agents in the country both living, retired and those who were dead.
Those who attended the celebration included, the executive Governor of Anambra State, Chief Wilie Obiano who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Nkem Okeke, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Uchenna Okafor, the Acting Chief Judge of Anambra State, Justice O. M. Anyachebelu; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu; The Chief of Staff, Anambra State, Hon. Primus Odili, Head of Service, Barrister Harry Udu, The State President of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo, Ichie Damian Okeke Ogene, Service chiefs, among others.
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