By Kelechi Ugo/Tunji Adedeji
Despite jubilation galore associated with the recent Federal Government’s release of 26 billion naira ‘bailout’ fund to Imo State, the Archbishop of Owerri Arch Diocese, His Grace A J V Anthony Obinna has disclosed that the Owelle Okorocha led Rescue Mission Government in the State has not made public the Account of Statement of Imo State as earlier demanded of him.
Speaking to newsmen yesterday as a prelude to the 2015 Owerri Catholic Archdiocesan Day/ Odenigbo lecture at the Assumpta Maria Cathedral Owerri, ArchBishop Obinna noted that he was yet to receive any report stating comprehensive Account statement of the State challenging Journalists to invoke Freedom of Information Act (FOI) while delving into investigative reportage of Government policies as they remain the watchdog of the society.
Bishop Obinna prayed for the success of the Governments of Governor Rochas Okorocha and President Mohammadu Buhari and urged the South East geo-political zone to bear with the President on the appointments he has made so far since assumption of office.
“Although some Arewa people have via series of articles expressed anger over Mr President’s sectional appointments, May the Almighty God to help Buhari succeed in his war against corruption in the country. I also pray that God will help Imo State Government to achieve its mantra of Jobs, factories, and industries policy. Honestly, these policies will not be actualised without good road network,” he prophesied.
The Archbishop later reeled out the significance of the Odenigbo lecture/ Owerri Archdiocesan Day celebration to include restoration of Igbo Language, Cultural heritage, stoppage of inhuman treatment such as Osu caste system, diala, ume among others.
He seized the platform to invite all and sundry to the event which holds between the 4th and 5th of September, 2015 stressing that the Friday 4th September event would future Traditional Wrestling, cultural entertainment, Drama, Dance, Choral and among others
While the Saturday, 5th September event would feature Holy Mass followed by recognition of 2015 Odenigbo supporters. He also unveiled that Rev Fr Prof John Iheany Obilor of Imo State University; Owerri who would be the lecturer of the year would speak on, “Obe Jesu Kristi! Ofo Ndu, Ogu Ndu.
He went down memory lane recalling that it was in midst of Nigeria socio political crises that the diocese of Owerri was created in 1994 stressing that it was officially inaugurated on 3rd of September 1994.
