…Calls For PVC Registration To Safeguard Abia’s Gains
Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, on Wednesday joined Roman Catholic faithfuls across the world to celebrate the Chrism Mass, a significant liturgical rite marking the Holy Week in the Christian calendar.
The Chrism Mass, observed in Catholic dioceses globally, is a solemn ceremony during which bishops consecrate sacred oils such the Oil of the Sick, Oil of Catechumens, and the consecration of the Sacred Chrism used in administering key sacraments throughout the year.
It is celebrated by bishops alongside priests of their dioceses and symbolises unity, service and spiritual renewal within the Church.
In his remarks, at the Mater Dei Catholic Church Umuahia, Governor Otti, expressed gratitude to God for the gift of life and for seeing the Christian faithfuls through the Lenten season.
“I want to join the priests and everyone to celebrate God for seeing us through the whole Lenten season that is about to end and also Easter that will be in a few days time”, the Governor said.
While reflecting on the 2023 electoral year, Governor Otti described the events that ushered his administration into power as extraordinary, calling the transition a “miracle” and cautioning against forces seeking to reverse the gains achieved.
He stressed that civic responsibility remains critical to sustaining the progress achieved by his administration.
The Governor therefore urged eligible residents to register and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), describing it as the surest safeguard against a return to past governance failures.
“It just reminds us that what God did here in 2023 is a miracle. You know, when things like this happen, some people will not be happy and they will want to do everything to take you back to where you are coming from, also known as Egypt.
“But it is for us to say we will not go back to Egypt. The only way you can guarantee against going back to Egypt is your PVC. That is the only message I have for you today”, he added.
Governor Otti further noted that divine intervention must be complemented by individual effort and tasked those yet to register to take advantage of the ongoing registration process.
“Once you have done your own, you know God will do his own. But if you sleep, God cannot do for you what you can do for yourself,” the Governor said.
He expressed appreciation to the presiding Bishop for the opportunity to address the congregation and wished Christians a joyful Easter celebration.
Earlier in his homily, the Catholic Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, Most Rev. Father Michael Kalu Ukpong explained that the mass centres on the blessing of oils used in Church sacraments and the commemoration of the institution of the priesthood.
The Bishop noted that all sacraments derive their strength from the death and resurrection of Christ and urged the faithful to engage in sober reflection.
He also cautioned the Church against indiscriminately accepting “anointing oils” from individuals who claim to be servants of God, stressing that the performance of miracles is not, in itself, proof of genuine divine calling.
Governor Otti was accompanied to the Chrism Mass by the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu; former Deputy Governor of the State and former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, and the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, Hon. Obi Aguocha.
Others in attendance include the Deputy Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Austin Okezie Mmeregini; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Dr Salome Obiukwu, the Special Adviser on Security Matters, Navy Commander Macdonald Ubah (Rtd); the Chairman, Umuahia North Local Government Area, Hon. Smart Iheoma and the Chairman of Umuahia South Local Government Area, Engr. Chinedu Enwereuzor.
