By Chuks Collins
The commercial nerve centre of the South East , Onitsha was this afternoon overwhelmed by an unprecedented crowd of friends, well-wishers and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship candidate in the November 8, Anambra State guber polls, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu and his running mate, Sen Uche Ekwunife who came for a special thanksgivings service.
The governorship flagbearer and his running mate as well as the APC stalwarts, members and top church faithful had Sunday went to thank the Almighty God for a successful and peaceful primary election and presentation of the party flag, symbol of authority, from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Aso Rock Villa.
The special Thanksgiving mass which attracted many big wigs of APC and citizens of the State held at the Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, Onitsha. It was celebrated by Archbishop Val Maduka Okeke, of the Onitsha Catholic Archdiocese.
In his homily, Archbishop Okeke who took his Bible reading from Genesis 3v25 noted that the tree of life denied Adam and Eve after the great fall has been made available to the faithful through Jesus Christ.
The highly respected cleric said that those who have washed their robes in the blood of Jesus Christ will have their lives transform from the physical to the spiritual.
The prelate also admonished the faithfuls to imbibe the life of love and unity, pointing out that Christ attained his glory at the peak of persecution.
“The cross didn’t destroy him but it proved to be the beginning of his glory. Jesus wants his followers to adopt life of love, justice and compassion which he said should reflect on everyday life style.
“Jesus is the Messiah, the beginning and the end, exalted by God. Whoever that wants to participate in the exaltation should live the Christ kind of life and the hallmark of such life is forgiveness, justice, and truthfulness which he noted, are a kind of protection.
“Everyone who wants to live a Christ like life should be prepared to suffer because Jesus Christ himself suffered.” He asserted.
Archbishop Okeke while commenting on World Communication Day which was being celebrated by the Catholic Church all over the world today warned against abusing technology and communication.
He said that technology and communication should rather be used to spread the truth and not lies.
The APC governorship candidate, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu in a brief chat with journalists shortly after the mass revealed that he and his running mate, Sen Ekwunife and the party members decided to go for thanksgiving for the successful and peaceful conduct of the Party Governorship Primary. He prayed for a peaceful and successful campaign period, urging other candidates and their supporters to imbibe spirit of sportsmanship for peaceful co-existence.
He restated his commitment to give Anambra State a responsible and responsive leadership that will make the State a model in Nigeria.
He thanked Ndi-Anambra and residents alike for the confidence reposed in him which he admitted manifested in the outpouring of goodwill messages from all and sundry in the State since winning the primary election of the ruling party.
He restated that one his key motive was to connect the State and the South East geopolitical zone direct to the center for unlimited benefits.
