By Sunny A. David
The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor has hailed the establishment of a new Diocese of Ekwulobia.
He also described the appointment of Bishop Peter Okpaleke as the first Bishop for the diocese as awesome.
“This piece of news is pleasant, filled with joy and gladness as it is a great relief to me.’’
He noted that Awka Diocese had written series of letters to the Pope over need to create a new Diocese, considering the numerical strength of priests in the Diocese, coupled with the fact that the Diocese was too big for one Bishop to handle, even with an Auxiliary Bishop.
According to him, the Vatican turned down the request, asking him to apply for an Auxiliary Bishop, which he did.
“It is in response that Bishop Jonas Benson Okoye was appointed in 2014 as Auxiliary Bishop of Awka,’’ Bishop Ezeokafor said.
The Prelate said that the new Diocese was carved out of the territory of the Awka Diocese and would be Suffragan See of the Metropolitan See of Onitsha.
The new Diocese according to him would cover Akpu, Ekwulobia and Achina regions.
Rev. Fr. Alphonsus Obiekezie, Vicar, St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, Amawbia said news of the creation of Ekwulobia Diocese from Awka and appointment of Bishop Okpaleke as first bishop of the Diocese was a welcome development.
Fr. Obiekezie said that according to general observation that it is noticed that there is great joy among bishops, the clergy and lay faithful.
He eulogised him, stressing. “he is the man, who the cap fits.
“Bishop Okpaleke fits in all respects into the office of Bishopric; a good administrator, good preacher, naturally and academically intelligent, versatile and approachable and above all, experienced.”
He said that the creation of the diocese would reduce the vastness of Awka Diocese, thereby reducing administrative burden.
The cleric noted that the way the Church handled the Ahiara saga portrayed it as wise.
“Ahiara is not greater than the universal Church in any ramification. The Church has what it takes. Instead of insisting on imposition, the Church took the road of no need to spill blood.
“So, the Church avoided a shameful scenario,” he said emphasising that God was wise and lives with His Church.
Reacting, Mr. Joseph Igwebuike, President Awka Diocesan Council of Nigeria said that it was God’s intervention that the Catholic faithful had been waiting for.
Mr. Igwebuike added that the creation of the diocese was necessary for grassroots evangelisation, noting that it would help to reach the faithful living in the interiors without much difficulty.
The laity chairman while thanking God, prayed God to grant Bishop Okpaleke health of body and soul to pilot the flocks entrusted in his care.
He, then, praised God that such development happened during his tenure as president, Awka Diocesan Laity Council.
Bishop Okpaleke of Amesi, Awka Diocese until his new appointment was Bishop emeritus of Ahiara Diocese, who resigned for peace to reign after a protracted crisis over his appointment instead of appointing an indigene Bishop.
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