The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, has condemned the recent ban on prayers in markets across the state by the leadership of Anambra State Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA).

He made the statement in his homily at Holy Trinity Catholic, Nanka, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State during a Thanksgiving Mass organised in the honour of a member representing Orumba North/South Federal Constituency, Hon. Chief Okwudili Ezenwankwo.

Prayers were recently banned by market leadership on the excuse that some people were using it to do dubious things hence.

However, a statement from the market leadership said the ban was not total but rather reduced to once a week.

The Catholic Bishop harped on the importance of prayers in people’s lives, saying that prayer is the most important tool one can use to ask and receive favours from God as well as wade off evil machinations and manipulations.

He maintained that banning prayer in the market will further distance those who believed in the efficacy of prayers from receiving God’s abundant blessings and grace.

Bishop Ezeokafor urged the State Governor, Willie Obiano, to take a critical look at the decision taken by the ASMATA leadership and see how it could be reviewed, saying that such could not be heard from a Christian dominated State like Anambra.

He said: “A prayerful Christian is a powerful Christian. I appeal to Governor Willie Obiano to take a second look on the matter.

“I am happy he is here. I heard about the ban but I was not too happy about it. It is not in our best interest.”

While commending the Governor for the good work he has done in the area of security of life and property in the state, he urged him not to relent in the tempo.

He added: “I thank the governor for what he has done so far to secure Ndi Anambra. I'm happy for him. I also want him to enhance the security network so that we will not witness what is happening in our neighbouring state here.

“Let us not allow the suspected Fulani herdsmen menace, incessant killings, kidnappings taking place in our neighbouring states to get to Anambra State. I want the governor to improve on his performance. I want to believe he is thinking towards that direction,” Bishop Ezeokafor urged.

“Some roads in Anambra also need to be looked into because of their poor state. I urge you to do something about them so as to cushion the effect on Ndi Anambra.

The Catholic Prelate called on elected public office holders to always remember their constituents and avoid storing up funds meant for the development of their areas and people.

“All of you are made. I see no reason why you should impoverish your people. Be accessible, help those who elected you. I call on leaders all over the world to lead with a human face. Political leaders, religious leaders, myself inclusive, traditional rulers, presidents general, family heads should lead well,” Ezeokafor stated.

In his speech, the state Governor, Willie Obiano assured the bishop of his administration's commitment in tackling some of the challenges he enumerated.

He said that his administration, apart from building more quality roads, will give every deplorable road in Anambra a facelift.

On his part, the member representing Orumba North/South Federal Constituency, Chief Okwudili Ezenwankwo, thanked God for the grace to be alive to celebrate with his constituents, political associates, friends and well-wisher describing the day as his best.

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