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The priest in charge of St Charles parish, Obudu has stated that there is so much pain and hunger in the society because most of our political leaders have become predators.
Fr Udechukwu made the assertion today, february 24th 2024, while delivering a sermon at the Thanksgiving Mass in honor of Hon Peter Peter Akpanke, held at St John’s Catholic Church, Keting – Bendi, Obanliku Local Government Area.
In his words, “Most of our leaders, the president, our governors, senators, house of representatives members, state house of assembly members, have become predators.
They are feeding on the people they are supposed to feed. Instead of creating enabling environment for people to survive, through employment opportunities, regular payment of salaries, provision of social amenities, they divert funds meant for the public. Such leaders feed from the public and they therefore become predators”
Udechukwu however, used the opportunity to call on members of the National Assembly who were present to put first the interest of their electorates, however encouraged Hon Peter Akpanke to remain resolute in the pursuit of the yearnings and aspirations of his constituents.
He wondered what is really wrong with some leaders and cited the situation in Abia and Benue states where the previous governors of the two states had refused to develop the states with back log of salaries owed.
He contemplated the magic that the current governors of Abia and Benue states, Dr Alex Oti and Rev Fr Alia are currently using to reposition the states.
Reflecting on the thanksgiving, Fr Udechukwu commended Hon Peter Akpanke and Fr Justine Udie, to have returned to God in thanksgiving. They have come to thank God for what they have achieved.
They realized that whatever they have achieved is as a result of God’s providential grace.
“While Julius Caesar attributed his success to himself, our brothers have decided to attribute their success to God. That is why they have gathered us in thanksgiving to God.
It is an invitation to share in what God has done for us.
“Our Thanksgiving adds nothing to the greatness of God. When we thank God, we tell him that we are grateful.
“When someone has done something good to you, than the person. If you have received something good either from God or people, thank them.
“We are gathered here to continue to thank God for the things has done for us. Whatever we have, whatever we achieved, we should thank God.
When David became king of Israel, he led the Israelites into very fierce wars and captured their territory and wanted to build a temple for God, but because his hands were filled with blood, God forbid him from building a house for him. But because of his goodwill and intention, God made his dynasty to last forever.
“This church we sit here was built by Hon Peter Akpanke in thanksgiving to God in appreciation of what God has done for him. Hon Peter Akpanke is a man of Thanksgiving. He is a man who loves giving back to his people. We know him, he is always with his people, listening to them and providing solutions to most of their problems. For you his colleagues who are here today, I want to to challenge you to go back home and provide the representation your people yearn for.
“Let me remind Hon Peter Akpanke that during his last thanksgiving here in this Church, he promised to draw the attention of all necessary authorities to the dilapidated, awarded and abandoned Obudu – Ikom road”
