From Emmanuel Uzor, Awka
Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Paulinus Ezeokafor, has expressed deep concern over the epileptic power supply in Anambra, and called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to act immediately without further delay.
Ezeokafor disclosed this during an International Conference and Convention in Awka, while delivering a homily during a thanksgiving mass organised in honour of the governor’s two years in office. He urged Soludo to find a way to address the constant power outage, noting that a state like Anambra should be enjoying uninterrupted power supply.
The cleric said: “Dubai-Taiwan mantra would not be achieved when darkness had enveloped every nook and cranny of the state.
“I understand it is a general thing, but Anambra government should find a way to fix it. The governor is really trying. He has given us a glimmer of hope in terms of keeping his promises. He is doing roads, yes, and also employing teachers and health workers. That we know, but this power issue should not be toyed with. I want Governor Soludo to dissipate energy in that area too. It is really giving Ndi Anambra serious cause for worry. I am concerned.
“Another serious issue is building collapse. It is more disheartening when it is government’s property that are collapsing. I advocate that consultants with integrity and name be used in handling these building projects. That way, they will be conscious of their name and firms.
“Also, I want the governor to look at the issue of pupils and students leaving their homes as early as 6:30 in the morning and returning home by 6pm. It is giving me serious concern. It is not good at all. I want the governor to address the issue. How can a child leave for school by 6:30am and return by 6pm in the evening? What time does that child have to interact with his parents?
“From what I gathered, some parents are majorly the culprits. They keep pushing their children away. I even heard some are giving their children away to teachers to groom for them. They push primary school pupils and secondary school students to boarding schools, leaving their responsibilities to other persons.
“I congratulate the governor on the many obvious positive strides he has brought to the people. His achievements within these two years are not simply ‘earmarked’ projects, but ‘eye-marked’; they are visible.”
“I drew the governor and his team’s attention to some issues, including age fact that Anambra State, as the Light of the Nation, cannot bear that name adequately if the problem of epileptic power supply is not addressed. The rate of building collapse in the state is appalling. The economic situation on ground makes the increment of workers’ salaries paramount. The church, since it obeys legitimate authorities, will keep to the provisions of the Burial Control Law and the kind of educational system which we have now that systematically pulls children away from their parents is inimical to human development.”