The Abia State governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has congratulated the Bishop Elect of the Catholic Diocese of Aba, Professor Augustine Ndubueze Echema.
The governor in a letter he personally described Prof. Echema as thorough bred a perfect choice by Pope Francis.
Governor Ikpeazu expressed profound delight on the appointment of The Reverend Monsignor Professor Augustine Ndubueze Echema a thorough bred Priest educated to the highest level in the finest traditions of the Catholic Church, an expert in Theology who rose to the rank of a Professor of Liturgy.
In a releasee made available to ABN TV, signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Onyebuchi Ememanka, the Governor stated that having painstakingly studied the journey of the Bishop Elect in his 35 years of service in the Catholic priesthood, he is convinced that the Pope made a perfect choice.
Governor Ikpeazu is particularly pleased that the selection process of the new Bishop came without any rancor and congratulated the membership of the Diocese on the emergence of a their new Bishop five years after the death of the pionner Bishop, The Late Bishop V V Ezeonyia.
Noting that the Catholic Church is one of the foremost Christian organizations and key stakeholder in the scheme of things in the state, the Governor said that his administration has enjoyed the huge support of the Church in every aspect including the fact that his Deputy, Rt. Hon Sir Ude Oko Chukwu is a devoted Catholic.
Governor Ikpeazu assured the Catholic Church and indeed the Christian Community in the State that his administration will consistently rely on the prayerful support of the Church and will at all times seek the wise counsel of our Church leaders in the discharge of his duties as Governor.
He further assured the new Bishop that the existing excellent relations between his administration and the Catholic Community, especially in Aba Diocese will be sustained and expressed belief that under the watch of the new Bishop, the frontiers of the relationship will be expanded.
The Governor, on behalf of his family, the Government and People of Abia State welcomed the new Bishop to Aba and prayed God to bless his episcopacy.
Source: ABN TV
