Church Must Hold Public Officers Accountable.-- Dr Tony Nwoye

On Sat 17 June 2017, Rt. Rev. Dr Owen C. Nwokolo, the Bishop on the Niger, celebrated his Golden Jubilee at the All Saints Cathedral, Onitsha.

Rt. Rev. Dr. Owen Chiedozie Nwokolo was born on the 19th day of June, 1967 at Oka Mbano, to the Priestly family of Rev Canon Felix Chukwunenye and Mrs Adeline Chukwdum Nwokolo of Ebenesi Nnobi in Idemili South L.G.A of Anambra State.

The 50th Birthday celebration which also featured the Launching of his book titled “Parenting in the old testament- Contemporary patterns and solutions for Nigeria” and Fund Raising for the proposed construction of the Diocesan Event Centre recorded a high number of Anglican Bishops numbering over 40 in attendance with some other clergies.
Besides the mammoth crowd that filled the cathedral, were also notable personalities like former president of Federal Republic of Nigeria Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan represented by Prof Nebo, Anambra Governor, Willie Obiano, Sen. Andy Ubah, Dr Tony Nwoye, Sen. Ndi Obi, Prof Soludo, Osita Chidoka, Oseloka Obaze, Tim Menakaya, representative of Delta state Governor, Igwe orizu, Igwe Ekwueme and numerous other dignitaries.

Dr Tony Nwoye who stood for himself and for Engr. Prince Arthur Eze (the chief Launcher) expressed his heartfelt joy and gratitude to God for his bountiful love to the Dioceses on the Niger and the celebrant. He thanked God for the grace he has availed him thus far in shepherding the flock and prayed God to sustain and strengthen the celebrant all through his ministerial life.

Reflecting on the Title of the Book “Parenting in the old testament- Contemporary patterns and solutions for Nigeria” Dr. Tony Nwoye referencing Prof Soludo (Book Reviewer) upheld his submission that the ‘”Church is the super parents of our society”; therefore, the church must continue with its role of  providing the bedrock of faith and answers to the deepest humanity needs.

He maintained that the fundamental duty of the child as the ‘super parent’’ of the society is for the church (as a parent would be to the children) to be involved in every facet of the life of the society. He holds that the church must hold true to its parental and guidance mission Like Christ by meeting the needs of the people and do away with all and every excuses that prevent it from being the church Christ expects and that which our society needs.

Emphasising on the critical role the church has to play as the moral compass of the society; Dr Tony Nwoye challenged the Church on its negligent role of calling all the public and elected officers to account. He reminded the church and its leadership that it behoves on them to not only call to account all the public officers but to see that they live a transparent life and make judicious use of the public mandate and resources trusted on them.

Dr Nwoye also frowned at the polarisation in the Christendom, especially as it pertains to the church’s involvement in Anambra politics. He questioned why the issue of one’s denomination should matter and become a primary basis for considering and voting a candidate in Anambra state? He asked: “Is it not One God that we all worship? If yes, then why would it matter if you are an Anglican, Catholic, or protestant in an election?”

Dr Tony Nwoye respectfully agreed that the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of Bishop Owen shouldn’t serve as an avenue for political campaigns; else he would have loved to puncture some lies and propaganda made by the Anambra state Government in his speech earlier.

On a final Note, Dr Tony Nwoye announced a donation a generous onbehalf of Prince Engr. Arthur Eze and another for himself to the church.

It is important to note that the Bishop Owen has earlier directed that all donations for his book and birthday should be channelled to the Diocesan Event centre project.

That’s an exemplary selfless and generous attributes of the Bishop of the Niger – Bishop Owen at 50.

Mazi Chidi Orjika
Media and ICT