As Encomiums continued to trail the enthronement of Monsignor Michael Ukpong, as the first Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Umuahia, the Methodist Archbishop of Umuahia,Most Rev. Chibuzo Opoko,has urged the new Catholic Bishop to pursue the will of God and not the will of any government if he must succeed as a bishop.
In an interview with National Ambassador during the Episcopal ordination of MSGR Ukpong at the Mater Dei Cathedral, Umuahia, the Archbishop Opoko stated that the new Auxiliary bishop of Umuahia,should put God first all through his Eucharistic journey, as Christ before He left, bequeathed to us a three fold responsibility of being a Priest, Prophet and a King over the flock of Christ and we can not carry out these responsibilities effectively without God.
According to Opoko, the new Bishop should always seek the face of God at all times concerning the church, stating that the work of a bishop could be likened to that of a shepherd that leads his flocks.
He said challenges would come in the course of the journey, but those challenges could be surmounted, only if the cleric decides to always speak the truth no matter whose ox is gored.
While commending the seat of the Pope of the Catholic Church, for electing an Auxiliary bishop that will assist the Umuahia Catholic Bishop, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, in advancing the diocese spiritually, financially, morally, among other things, said the new bishop should not relent in collaborating with clerics in other denominations to bring to bare the massive salvation of souls in Umuhaia.
Also the Traditional Ruler of Afaraukwu,Ibeku, Eze Philip Ukaegbu, enjoined the new bishop not to relent but continue in the path of excellence, integrity, diligence and unique character they have known him for in the past, assuring him of their tireless prayers.
The chairman of the Publicity and Protocol planning Committee, Rev, Father Augustine Obi, praised the energetic nature of Bishop Ukpong, stating that his presence and contributions in the diocese, would bring incredible gifts to the Umuahia Diocese.
According to Father Obi, the ordination of the Auxiliary bishop was not just to assist the sitting Bishop of the Diocese who was already overwhelmed by the density of the evangelical work in the diocese, but to join in the development of the church socially, Politically, numerically, financially among others.
In their separate reactions, the Chairman of the Umuahia Diocesan Pastoral Council, Prof Chris Chilaka and the President of the Catholic Women Organization, Lady Victoria Alika, expressed joy over the ordination of the bishop, as it would help advance the church positively, assuring the cleric of their prayer and support.
Meanwhile, the newly Ordained Auxiliary Bishop in an interaction with newsmen, expressed gratitude to God for honouring him with such a position,having served as a priest for over twenty seven years.
According to him, priesthood is a vocation that calls for responsibility, pledging to give his best to the service of God, while calling on the members of the church to cooperate together in brotherly love so they can move the diocese forward.
