That Pope Francis Pronouncement On Ahiara diocese
just last week Pope Francis announced the appointment of the Catholic Bishop of Abuja Diocese, John Cardinal Onaiyekan as the administrator of the crisis ridden Ahiara diocese.
Since the appointment of Okpaleke and his subsequent consecration as bishop outside Mbaise land, discordant tones have continued to trial the new bishop leading to schisms in the entire Mbaise Christendom.
The traditional rulers from Mbaise, the clergy, the laity and indeed the high, mighty and low in the area pitched tent either for or against accordingly polarizing the nation.
The metropolitan archdiocese of Owerri indeed was not left out of this crisis because of the anticipated consequence of this appointment on the archdiocese should archbishop Anthony Obinna retires soon.
Realizing that the controversy may go out of management if nothing urgently is done, the Holy See hurriedly last week took to option “B” which is the appointment of Cardinal Onaiyekan as the new administrator of the diocese.
While the entire Mbaise people feel relieved that at last it is not Bishop Okpaleke that is coming to the diocese, it is also instructive to advice Mbaise people to show restrain in their jubilation.
Quoting the Holy See, “the pope appoints an apostolic administrator when a see is vacant (Sede Vancante), but a sede plena appointment is not unprecedented: Archishop Joseph Miot served as apostolic administrator of Port-Au-Prince, Haiti from 1997 to 2008 while archbishop Francois-Wolff Ligonde remained archbishop, and Bishop Thomas Olmsted was appointed apostolic administrator of the diocese of Gallup in 2008 which Bishop Donald Pelotte remained diocesan Bishop via catholicculture”.
Therefore, it is instructive to note that the coming of Cardinal Onaiyekan has not completely resolved the issue of Okpaleke nor a substantive Bishop for Ahiara diocese.
What the Holy See may have done is to douse tension which by no circumstance amount to finding a lasting solution to the problem at hand.
Be it as it may, the truth of it all is that the hen is coming home to roost and until then, the faith of Ahiara diocese will still be in the balance.
Security In Imo Aned The Gains Of Imo Security Network
t is pertinent to know that since the inauguration of the Imo Security Network (ISN) in the State, the people living In the various communities of the State have heaved a sigh of relief because the crime rate has reduced.
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to State categorically that the three senatorial zones In Imo State have become crime free where kidnappers and other crime perpetrators have absconded since the inauguration of Imo Security Network (ISN).
The efforts of the Nigeria Police Force (Imo Command) in expunging the crime pollution in the State is highly recommended.
Barely eight (8) months of the Inauguration of the Imo Security Network (ISN) by his Excellency, the Governor, Owelle Anayo Rochas Okorocha (OON), the felony has reduced to the barest minimum, as Imo citizens and investors go about their normal business without any obstruction, a situation which has brought peace, security of lives, properties and massive development in the Rescue Mission Administration. We have never had it so good since the history of Imo State.
Equally, it has been observed that the synergy between the various Federal Security Agencies and Imo Security Network (ISN) has come to stay in the State as there have not been any reported disagreement between the officers. Indeed this has proved to Imolites that our visionary Governor, His Excellency, Owelle Anayo Rochas Okorocha COON) in his numerous ideas/plans have ways of solving the security problems revolving the State.
Subsequently, the Imo Security Network (ISN) Officers were trained by experts to effectively perform their duties in the communities. It is now rare to hear of the popular rape cases, kidnapping, armed robbery and other evil vices seen across the State
before the Inauguration of the Imo Security Network (ISN). Their numerous achievements in these few months can never be measured as the rate of crime has drastically reduced in the State.
However, it is also pertinent to commend the efforts of the various commanders, the Special Advisers on Security in the three Senatorial Zones for performing above board. Our commendation must not fail to go to Dr. Ihenayi Nwachukwu, that Honourable Commissioner for Public Utilities, Public Safety and Youth Entrepreneurship for exhibiting palpable fact dexterity and competence in co-ordinating the various activities as well as the full realization of the Rescue Mission Agenda on Security.
The traditional Rulers being the Chief Security Officers In the various Communities should not hesitate to report anybody In their communities suspected to be involved In criminal activities, or give Information that will assist the objectives of the Imo Security Network. They should warn their subjects who are in any way involved in criminal activities to desist from such actions as the Imo Security Network (ISN) is on ground to deal with such people.
We salute His Excellency, Owelle Rochas Anayo Okorocha (OON), in his efforts to see that crime is reduced to its barest minimum in the State. We also thank him for choosing the right person as the Commissioner for Public Utilities, Public Safety and
Youth Entrepreneurship, Dr. Iheanyl Nwachukwu who is the brain behind the success of this achievement.
We call upon the Imo Citizens to adhere to the Innovation on Public Safety and support His Excellency in this fight to see that Imo people sleep with their two eyes closed and go about their normal business. In doing so, Imo will indeed be better.
by Vivian Nneka Agbalizu
