By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Governor of Anambra State, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, at the weekend, described the church as a critical and strategic partner of his administration.

Soludo, who made the remark during the Harvest and Bazzar Mass at St. Matthew's Catholic Church, Amawbia, urged the church to collaborate with his administration by propagating and driving the message of his government to the grassroots.

He said that his government was promoting the spirit of ecumenism in the Anambra project, even while maintaining that the body of Christ remains one.

According to the Governor, the Government House Chaplain hosts services for both the Catholic, Anglican and Pentecostal churches, saying that Fr. Raphael conducts Mass at the Governor’s Lodge on Sundays, while Pentecostals lead service on Mondays, the Anglicans on Tuesdays.

“My administration is working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to carry out the task Ndi Anambra employed me for. Church leaders should help in further spreading the message of my government.

“I’m very happy about today’s homily. There is need to keep a clean environment and avoid throwing debris on the roads which usually end up blocking drainages and causing erosion. Everyone has a role to play in this march to a greater Anambra,” Soludo said.

The Governor further gave an insight into the achievements of his government, saying that a state of emergency has been declared on roads by awarding over 230km of roads for construction, as well as the presentation of appointment letters to 5, 000 recruited teachers, recruitment of Doctors and Nurses for hospitals in the state, among others.

On the issue of public donation for the Bazaar, the Governor said that part of the code of conduct mainstreaming the public service was that in order to reduce undue pressure and eliminate the desire for corrupt practices in the public service, public servants were not permitted to partake in public donations.

He however assured that as a member of the Parish, he would answer to his name in the register.

Earlier in his speech, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Oye, appreciated the Governor for identifying with the church to celebrate the Harvest and Bazaar.

While expressing joy that the Governor graced the Mass, he reminded him how it was Prophesied to him, in front of the alter, that God had anointed him to lead the state during the time of his campaign

Oye further prayed for the success of Governor Soludo in his services to the state.

On her part, Senator Uche Ekwunife, representing Anambra Central at the Red Chambers of the National Assembly, applauded the Governor for his recent recruitment of 5,000 teachers in the state, describing it as a very unique action that she was proud of.

She expressed her readiness to always support the church.