Obi Applauds Pope Francis’ Appointment Of Nigerian Cleric As Envoy To UN

FORMER Governor of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi has applauded the appointment of Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu by Pope Francis as the Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations Office and Specialized Institutions in Geneva.

Prior to the appointment, which was announced on Saturday, December 17, Archibishop Nwachukwu has been the Apostolic Nuncio, representing the pope at Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Jamaica, and a few other states.

The Supreme Pontiff also appointed Nwachukwu as a Permanent Observer to the World Trade Organization (WTO), and the Representative of the Vatican to the International Migrations Organisation.

In a congratulatory message, Obi who was the Vice Presidential Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 elections, rejoiced with the cleric over the new appointment, stating that it was not just an appreciation for his labour in God’s vineyard, but a bigger platform from where he could impact more lives across the world.

He said the new positions are very critical not just to the church, but to the global community, adding that he is confident that the cleric would perform creditably in his new diplomatic role.

“It is my hope that by your appointments as the Permanent Observer of the Holy See, Vatican, to the United Nations Office and Specialized Institutions in Geneva, and Permanent Observer to the World Trade Organization, WTO, and the Representative of the Vatican to the International Migrations Organization, you will continue to contribute to policies that will promote global economies, restore the dignity of man and lead men closer to God. I am confident in your ability to excel in your new positions”, Obi said.

Obi appreciated the Holy Father, Pope Francis, for finding Archbishop Fortunatus worthy of taking up the position, and prayed God to give the cleric wisdom and grace to discharge his duties very well.

Fortunatus was ordained a Catholic priest under the Diocese of Aba, (Abia State) in 1984, and consecrated as Bishop by Pope Benedict XVI on 6 January 2013.

He studied pontifical diplomacy at the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy, Rome, and has since July 1994 been serving in the diplomatic service of the Holy See.