- We are the light of the nation without light
From Emmanuel Uzor, Awka
The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, has expressed deep concern over the unstable power supply in Anambra and called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to act immediately without further delay.
Bishop Ezeokafor disclosed this at the International Conference and Convention Centre, Awka, while delivering a homily during a Thanksgiving Mass organized in honour of the Governor’s Two Years in Office where 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 taunted Governor Soludo by saying that the “Dubai-Taiwan Mantra would not be achieved when darkness had enveloped every nook and cranny of the state.
‘I understand that it is a general thing, but the 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 issue of power 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 property that is collapsing. I advocate that consultants with integrity and names be used in handling these building projects. In that way, they will be conscious of their name and firm.
‘Another thing I want the Governor to look at is the issue of pupils and students leaving their homes as early as 6:30 in the morning and to return home by 6 pm. 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 6:30 am only to return by 6 pm in the evening? What time does that child have to interact with their parents?
‘From what I gathered, some parents are majorly the culprits. They keep pushing their children away. I even heard that some are giving their children away to teachers to groom 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 ”eyemarked”; they are visible.
‘I drew the attention of the Governor and his team to some issues. One, Anambra State, as the Light of the Nation, cannot bear that name adequately if the problem of epileptic power supply in the state is not addressed. Two, the collapse of buildings in the state is appalling.
Three, the economic situation on the ground makes the increment of workers’ salaries paramount. Four, the Church since she obeys legitimate authorities, will keep to the provisions of the Burial Control Law. Five, the kind of educational system which we have now that systematically pulls children away from their parents is inimical to human development.”