Victor EzejaBishop of the Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Most Rev. Peter Nworie Chukwu, has rejected the “Commander Ebonyi Hall of Fame” award from Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi.
Governor Engr Umahi had, in a letter dated December 14, 2022, informed Bishop Chukwu that he had been selected for an award as Commander, Ebonyi Hall of Fame (CEHF) in recognition of the cleric’s “illustrious service to Ebonyi State and humanity.”
According to documents sighted by Prime Business Africa, Bishop Chukwu, who thanked the Governor for deeming him fit for the award, however, declined the honour, stating that he was just one year in office and could not have achieved much to warrant reception of such award.
The Bishop instead, suggested that the award be given to his predecessor, Most Rev. Michael Nnacho Okoro.
“I wish to sincerely thank you for your thoughtful consideration in selecting me for the Maiden State of Honours Award. I am grateful to you and your government for deeming me fit for the award,” Bishop Chukwu wrote in a letter addressed to Governor Umahi, dated December 16, 2022.
“Your Excellency. I wish to respectfully decline this award. I am barely one year in office.
“I am still struggling to fit into the high demands of the ecclesiastical office of the Bishop. So, I feel that I have not achieved much as to deserve an award.
“If I may suggest, I would rather wish that this award be bestowed on my predecessor, Most Rev. Michael Nnachi Okoro, for his long and meritorious service to God and humanity,” he added.
The Bishop appealed to the Governor that, instead of giving him the award, he should initiate a process to terminate murder and sundry charges leveled against one of the priests in the diocese, Rev. Fr. Timothy Ngwuta.
“Rather than give me an award, I would prefer you set in motion, actions that would facilitate the termination of murder and sundry charges against my priest, Rev. Fr. Timothy Ngwuta.”
The Bishop assured Governor Umahi of his constant prayers for him, the government and the good people of the state in general.
The event held on December 22, 2022 at Ebonyi State’s Ecumenical Centre, Abakaliki.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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