The Catholic Bishop of Aba Diocese, Most Rev. Augustine Echema, says the achievements of the Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, will clearly speak for him and guarantee his re-election in 2027.
Speaking during a thanksgiving Mass marking his 40th anniversary of priestly ordination on Sunday at Christ the King Catholic (CKC) Cathedral Aba, Bishop Echema described Governor Otti as a man of integrity whose administration has positively affected the masses.
The bishop thanked the Governor for responding to the church’s request for the construction of a retirement home for priests and prayed God to continue guiding him in the task of leading the state.
“If you are in doubt, you go to Aba. He is a man of integrity. I am telling you (Governor), I have said it before, I am not campaigning for you and I don’t need to campaign for you.
“The work that you have done so far, will campaign for you. You will continue to go higher and higher and I know you will do it (building the retirement home). Thank you so very much. thank you for this wonderful gesture”, Bishop Echema said.
He used the forum to thank God for His grace upon his life and ministry over the past four decades and appreciated the Governor, Bishops, priests and the Catholic faithful for joining him in marking the milestone.
Addressing the congregation, Governor Otti congratulated Echema on his 40th priestly anniversary and prayed God to continue to strengthen and preserve him.
The governor described the Catholic bishop as “a rare gift to Nigeria”, noting that his 40 years of priestly service represents a remarkable testimony to God’s grace.
“I pray that God will keep him because he is a rare gift to Nigeria. We want to thank God for his life and it is our prayer that He will continue to keep him. This is the least he can ever be”, Governor Otti said.
On an earlier demand by Bishop Echema over the need for a retirement home for Catholic priests, bishops, reverend fathers and religious sisters, the Governor announced that the project would be undertaken by some private individuals and foundations through his personal consultations.
He however made it clear that no government fund will be used for the project.
“We want to take that problem off you. We will fund it. So, work will start very soon. And I know it’s not government’s fund. It’s from Alex Otti Foundation, Unubiko Foundation, Ide Udeagbara Foundation and private concerns.
“It’s not a government thing. We will do it to our standard”, he pointed out.
The Archbishop of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev. Dr. Lucius Iwe jury Ugorji, Bishops from across the country, priests and other dignitaries attended the anniversary celebration that also attracted top Government officials.
