The Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has said that the roles and functions of the Government and the Church are interwoven, hence the Church should always compliment the work of government and remain obedient to it.
He insists that for every faith-based organisation to function well, there must be respect for rule of law for those in position of authority.
The Governor spoke Sunday, May 5, at the end of the 2025 Fathers Day Service held at the Government House Chapel, Owerri, and presided over by the Auxiliary Catholic Bishop of Orlu, His Grace Rev. Dr. Thomas Obiatuegwu.
In the course of the Service, Bishop Obiatugwu came hard on the appointees of government who do not take seriously the responsibility given to them by the Governor, thinking they are serving the Governor instead of the State.
The Bishop decried a situation where certain appointees even go to the extent of embezzling the resources entrusted in their care by the Governor for the service of the State, noting that such appointees may not know they are hurting the State instead of the Governor.
Governor Uzodimma had thanked the Bishop for celebrating the Mass, pleading with him to find time to come another day to the Chapel as he enjoyed his homily.
He pointed out that the Church, from the beginning, is a faith-based organisation which makes the people to recognise the existence of the Supreme-being, and the need to be morally upright in the society.
He thanked the Bishop for the accolades he showered on him.
“When I receive these kinds of praises from Bishops, especially highly rated Bishops like that of the Catholic Bishops, I take them home like a treasure,” he said, just as he reiterated that the meaning of government and democracy is all about the people’s security and welfare.
Governor Uzodimma further stated that “when people speak good about Imo State, it is not for the Governor alone but for Imo people, the same way, if they speak ill about Imo, it is for Imo State in general not the Governor.”
“No man can serve the State alone as it is about collective measures.”
He assured that he will “leave Imo State better than than he met it,” and urged his appointees to be focused and committed while discharging their duties and shun the temptation of tarnishing their image because of filthy lucre.
He commended the Chaplain Government House, Rev. Fr. Prof. Gilbert Alaribe and his team for the organisation they put in place for the 2025 Fathers Day and wished all Catholic fathers, a Happy Fathers Day Celebration.
Earlier in his homily, Bishop Obiatuegwu admonished the congregation to “always say the truth because truth is life which is Jesus Christ,” noting that “the only way you can see God is for you to open your hearts and minds for Him.”
The Bishop further commended the Governor for the good works he is doing in the State and described him as a unique person.
He applauded the Governor for stemming the insecurity tide in the State and reassured him that the entire State is happy with him, urging him to keep up the good works.
He prayed God to continue to lead, guide and protect the Governor in all his lives endeavours.
To the government appointees, the Bishop challenged them to be good ambassadors of the State in the different positions entrusted in their care, shunning the temptation to embezzle the resources entrusted in their hands to work for the State.
He reminded them that though they were appointed by the Governor, their service is principally to the State and not to the Governor.
He commended the Catholic Men Organisation of Alvan Chaplaincy for the honour done the Governor and also wished all fathers happy Fathers Day celebration.
Highlight of the celebration was the presentation by the CMO Alvan Chaplaincy, of a Portrait on behalf of the Catholic Bishop of Okigwe, His Grace, Most Rev Dr. Solomon Amatu, to the Governor.
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