Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha yesterday said the recent killings in some parts of the country, especially Plateau and Zamfara states were beyond religious sentiments.
The Imo governor and Chairman of Progressive Governors’ Forum, noted that no religious group is spared in the killings, stating that “in some of the incidents both Christians and Muslims were victims’.
He noted that the country is at the moment passing through very difficult times and urged religious leaders and all Nigerians “to pray to God for the peace of the country not minding where one comes from and which religion one belongs”.
Okorocha spoke at the 10th Episcopal Anniversary of the Catholic Bishop of Orlu Diocese, Imo State, His Lordship, Most Rev. Augustine Ukwuoma at the Holy Trinity Cathedral Orlu.
He lamented that “some people have lost their sense of value for lives with the rate at which blood-letting is going on in this Country”, stating that the situation calls for God’s intervention.
According to him, “Initially, I thought that what was going on in some parts of the country was a religious war; but the Plateau and Zamfara killings have shown that what we have in our hands is beyond religious killings.
“In these killings Muslims were killing Muslims and Christians killing Christians. They kill innocent citizens both young and old. And for us Christians, this is the time to pray for peace and love for one another”.
The governor however told the Bishop “the reason I join the world to celebrate you at your 10th Episcopal Anniversary is that you are a very good Bishop. You are the kind of Bishop that uses his office to attract people to God rather than chase them away from God. And that has endeared you to God”.
He also commended the Orlu Catholic Diocese for starting a University Project, stating that he had challenged the Bishop about two years ago that the Diocese should start a university and expressed joy that the Diocese has begun the University Project.
“I also remember that the Imo State Government promised to donate a taken of N100million for the University Project, of which N50million had been given. And let me use this opportunity to ask that the balance of N50million be paid immediately to complete the N100million”, the governor stated.
The Bishop had earlier in his speech thanked God for being solidly behind him in his priesthood and also thanked the governor and the government he heads for showing special interest in things of God.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of Award to the governor by the Diocese for his outstanding service to God and humanity.