Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, His Lordship, Most Reverend Paulinus Ezeokafor, has criticised Anambra State Government over the epileptic nature of power supply in the State.
The bishop said it is shameful that a state that prides itself as the Light of the Nation cannot boast of steady electricity.
The bishop stated this at the International Conference and Convention Centre, Awka, while delivering a homily during a Thanksgiving Mass organised in honour of the Governor’s Two Years in Office.
He urged Soludo to find a way to address the constant power outage, noting that a state like Anambra should be enjoying uninterrupted power supply. He added that the Dubai-Taiwan mantra would not be achieved when darkness had enveloped every nook and cranny of the state.
“I understand that it is a general thing, but Anambra Government should find a way to fix it. The Governor is really trying. He has given us a glimmer of hope in terms of keeping his promises. He is doing roads, yes, and also employing teachers and health workers. That we know, but this issue of power should not be toyed with. I want Governor Soludo to dissipate energy in that area too. It is really giving Ndi Anambra serious cause for worry. I am concerned.
“Another serious issue is building collapse. It is more disheartening when it is government’s property that are collapsing. I advocate that consultants with integrity and name be used in handling these building projects. In that way, they will be conscious of their name and firms.
“They are less likely to compromise standards. The frequent news of building collapse is really not giving us a good image,” Bishop Ezeokafor noted.
“Another thing I want the Governor to look at is the issue of pupils and students leaving their homes as early as 6:30 in the morning and to return home by 6pm. It is giving me serious concern. It is not good at all. I want the Governor to address the issue. How can a child leave for school by 6:30am only to return by 6pm in the evening? What time does that child have to interact with their parents?
“From what I gathered, some parents are majorly the culprits. They keep pushing their children away. I even heard that some are giving their children away to teachers to groom for them. They push primary school pupils and secondary school students to boarding schools, leaving their responsibilities to other persons.
“It is so wrong. Let me say this here, nobody can train your children exactly the way you wish to. It’s not possible. I appeal to the Governor to put an end to this. After school lessons, they should allow these children to leave for their various homes.
“During my time, I did not attend any lesson but I passed all my papers. I did very well, both in primary and secondary school. If I didn’t do well I would not be here today as a priest and eventually a bishop. I know they are doing it to get extra pay from the parents. The motivation is the money they are getting from these parents. They should find a way to teach whatever they want to teach during the regulation time.
“I’m happy that the speaker is here alongside other lawmakers. They should do something in that regard. Children no longer spend adequate time with their parents. There is a diminishing return; once it sets in, the child can never respond to whatever thing you are dishing out. That thing you want to teach them after school, teach them during school hours,” the prelate said.
