The Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Enugu, Most Rev.Calistus Onaga, has decried the shedding of blood especially politically motivated killings in the South-East. Onaga spoke on Sunday while delivering a sermon during the Thanksgiving Mass and Empowerment Programme of Sen. Kelvin Chukwu, Senator representing Enugu East Senatorial Zone in Enugu.
The bishop urged the perpetrators to retrace their steps. According to him, anyone engaging in such an unholy act will never go unpunished as they must face the consequences and wrath of God. “No matter the level of acrimony or quarrel, no one has the right to terminate the life of another, which he or she cannot create,” he said.
Onaga expressed dismay over the brutal murder of the Senatorial candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 Senatorial election in the state, Chief Oyibo Chukwu which led to the emergence of his younger brother and the incumbent Senator, Sen. Kelvin Chukwu.
The cleric also mentioned the murder of the chairman of Ogbete Market Traders Association, Stephen Aniagu, amongst other killings. “So my dear brothers and sisters, let us always know that one day every one of us will die and we do not know the hour or day,” he said.
The cleric urged beneficiaries of the empowerment to use the items judiciously and use it as a source of living, adding: “If good has been returned to you, try to do good to others”.
Speaking at the distribution of the empowerment items, Dr. Ben Nwoye expressed sadness that the late Chief Oyibo Chukwu was assassinated in cold blood during the 2023 electioneering process. Nwoye, immediate past Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Enugu State, described the empowerment gesture as true representation and democracy in action.
He said, “We are not here to talk about political party, I am a member of APC and my brother Sen. Kelvin Chukwu is a member of Labour Party so, what I have come here to do is to promote good governance.”
Nwoye challenged the beneficiaries to make good use of the items, saying it would be the only way to encourage the donour to do more. In his speech, Sen. Chukwu, expressed appreciation to members of the National Assembly who had come to show him solidarity.
Chukwu assured the people of his senatorial district of quality representation, saying he had contributed immensely in sponsoring bills at the hallowed chamber of the Senate to better lives of Nigerians.
He said as law maker he do not have the power to embark on capital projects, but would continue to do his best in attracting constituency projects aimed at alleviating the suffering of his people.
“I have been able to attract several facilities in various areas such as electricity, health, road among other projects for the people of his zone.
“For those yet to benefit in the empowerment exercise, you have to be patient, very soon it will go round,” he said.
In his speech, Sen. Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central Senatorial Zone, commended Sen. Chukwu for the empowerment programme, thanking members of the Enugu East Senatorial Zone for the the support giving him.
All the members of the Federal House of representatives from Enugu State under the platform of Labour Party applauded Chukwu for providing democracy dividends to the people who gave him mandate to serve at the Senate.
Among beneficiaries of the empowerment items were 25 person’s with special needs who smiled home with brand new grinding machines. A beneficiary of the empowerment, Mr Emeka Ugwuani, a physically challenged, thanked Sen. Chukwu for the empowerment, praying that God would keep blessing and protecting him.
Other items distributed included: dozens of motorcycles, bags of fertilisers, sewing machines, refrigerators and bags of rice among others.
