Imo Guber: Demonstrate Spirit Of Sportsmanship – Bishop Okorafor Tells Contestants, Asks For Nnamdi Kanu’s Release

By George Best Okoroh

The Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Egbu, the Rt. Rev’d. Geoffrey Okorafor has charged contestants in the November 11 Governorship Election in the State to embrace peace by demonstrating the spirit of sportsmanship.

Bishop Okorafor gave the charge in his Presidential Address at the just concluded First Session of the Tenth Synod of the Diocese which took place at ST. Peter’s Anglican Obibiezenna, Owerri North LGA, Imo State.

He stated that the charge became necessary to advise contestants to eschew violence, stop heating the polity by their supporters, being magnanimous in victory and demonstrating the spirit of sportsmanship if one loses. “If you get the mandate of the people of Imo State to be their Governor for the next four years, demonstrate magnanimity in victory. If you lose, demonstrate spirit of sportsmanship. Violence should be eschewed”, he said.

He noted that there can be only one Governor at a time, adding that “if it is not you today, it can be you tomorrow”.

The  Anglican Prelate regretted that Nigeria has made itself an object of redicule before the international community, who in return “have resolved to leave us the way we)  are”.

Bishop Okorafor, who is also the President of the Synod expressed displeasure at the manner Nigerians are jetting out of the country not to the developed Western world or Asia but to poor African countries; wondering how the system can be corrected when “the present federal cabinet with about forty eight ministers is characterised by ministers out of whom   about forty three have cases to answer with EFCC and ICPC”.

He pointed out that the Sit-At-Home order has adversely affected the economy of the South-east with some businessmen in Onitsha relocating to Asaba; those in Aba relocating to Uyo and Port Harcourt” in an effort to save their businesses from collapsing.

He appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to observe the rule of law by releasing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, stressing that the “IPOB’s agitations are traceable to humiliation, dehumanization, oppression and suppression”.

He commended Governor Hope Uzodimma for the various road projects in Imo State which included the completed Owerri-Orlu Road and Owerri-Okigwe Road, and appealed to him to hasten up the completion of Owerri-Umuahia Road. He also called on the governor to consider the condition of the Nekede-Ihiagwa Road as well as paying pensioners their gratuities as promised by the Governor.

Bishop Okorafor described the Synod theme “Come Unto Me, All You That Labour And Are Heavy Laden” (Matt. 11:28) as “a comfortable word of invitation from the Lord Jesus Christ, our source of joy and relief”.

Reeling out individuals and situations in Bible that Jesus Christ changed their lives and conditions, the Anglican Prelate said that the invitation is for individuals, nations and the entire globe in need of divine intervention. “We live in a state of hopelessness, and fear; people’s faith is waning. Disappointments today stare people in the face”, Bishop Okorafor said.

He added that the comfortable word if adhered to gives joy and rest. The Syod ended with a Sunday Thanksgiving Service.