Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has hailed the Catholic Church for its enduring support to the State’s development, describing its leaders as key partners in Abia’s political and social transformation.
Speaking in Umuahia on Tuesday while receiving the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Most Rev. Michael Crotty, Governor Otti recalled the spiritual backing the State had enjoyed from Senior Clergymen, particularly Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu.
The Governor described Archbishop Nwachukwu as a key supporter of his administration.
“He (Archbishop Fortunatus) is our father in the Lord and a major part of this administration because he spent a lot of time praying before our emergence.
“Interestingly, before the 2023 election, he visited me in Lagos and was very certain that things were going to change”.
Governor Otti reaffirmed his administration’s policy of inclusion, noting that governance under his watch does not discriminate on the basis of religion or ethnicity.
“When the Bishop says that I’m not a Catholic, he is partially right and the other part is that I am also a Catholic by virtue of my wife.
“We try to treat people equally, regardless of religion, creed, tribe, or ethnic group because we are all born poor and equal before the Lord,” he added.
Earlier, Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Most Rev. Michael Crotty, highlighted the Catholic Church’s longstanding contribution to human development globally, noting that its mission goes beyond spiritual care.
“In all parts of the world where the Church is present, it runs schools and health centres for the benefit of all people, without distinction of religion or ethnic background. This is recognition of the dignity of the human person,” Crotty said.
He explained that his visit to Abia formed part of his tour ahead of the Silver Jubilee of Mater Dei Cathedral, Umuahia.
“You can’t spend all your time in Abuja. You have to get out and see the diocese on the ground, that it is no longer just a name on a map, but a living community”, he noted.
Crotty, who represents Pope Francis in Nigeria, also emphasised the importance of collaboration between the Church and government.
“As a representative of the Holy Father, part of my role is to be a bond of friendship between the Church and the country to which I am accredited. Governors, as the level of Government closest to the people
