Ex- Aguata Mayor Forgives Political Opponents at Thanksgiving, Urges Constructive Politics
By Polycarp Ifeanyi
Former Mayor of Aguata Local Government Area, Dr. Chibueze Ofobuike, has declared that he has forgiven his political opponents whom he accused of projecting him negatively in the media, urging politicians and their aides to embrace constructive criticism rather than destructive attacks.
Ofobuike made the declaration during a thanksgiving Mass held at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cathedral, Ekwulobia, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, to thank God for a successful tenure in office.
The thanksgiving ceremony, which attracted more than 100 Catholic priests, also had the Faithspiration Initiative, a charitable organisation committed to drawing souls closer to God, among the prominent groups in attendance.
The Faithspiration Initiative was led by its Founder and Spiritual Director, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. George Adimike, alongside the group’s leader, Bro. Kingsley Ezeudu.
The event commenced with a Holy Mass presided over by the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor.
In his homily, Bishop Ezeokafor urged the faithful to cultivate the spirit of forgiveness and embrace unity, love and oneness.
The bishop also commended Ofobuike for returning to the altar to acknowledge and appreciate God’s goodness upon him and his family, describing the thanksgiving as an expression of confidence in God.
Ofobuike, who served as one of the 21 Local Government Mayors in Anambra State, said he considered it necessary to return to God in thanksgiving after successfully completing his tenure, acknowledging that it was only through God’s grace and strength that he was able to serve and finish his tenure.
He drew a biblical parallel with the story of the nine lepers who failed to return to Jesus after they were healed, stressing the importance of gratitude for God’s blessings.
The former mayor, who has declared interest in contesting for the House of Representatives seat for Aguata Federal Constituency, also said he believed in the principle that one good turn deserves another.
Speaking against the backdrop of Bishop Ezeokafor’s message on forgiveness, Ofobuike announced that he had forgiven his political opponents whom he alleged had portrayed him negatively in the media.
He urged political office holders and their aides to engage in constructive criticism, rather than resorting to attacks aimed at destroying political opponents.
The Cathedral Administrator, Rev. Fr. John Umeorjiako, thanked God for the favourable weather that enabled the celebration to take place successfully and appreciated the Vicar General of Ekwulobia Diocese, Rev. Fr. Anthony Chiegboka.
Fr. Umeorjiako also commended Bishop Ezeokafor for honouring the invitation and appreciated the numerous priests and religious, members of the Catholic community of Ekwulobia Diocese, political associates and other guests who attended the ceremony.
He specially commended the Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese, His Eminence Peter Cardinal Okpaleke, for granting permission for the thanksgiving to be held at the Cathedral, describing him as a man with a good heart.
The Cathedral Administrator further commended Ofobuike for his zeal in worshipping and trusting in God, noting that the thanksgiving coincided with the Feast of the Holy Rosary.
He urged Ofobuike to make the Rosary an important part of his prayer life, particularly before embarking on major projects.
In his vote of thanks, Ofobuike expressed profound gratitude to Almighty God for preserving him throughout his tenure as Mayor of Aguata Local Government.
He thanked Peter Cardinal Okpaleke, whom he described as his mentor and spiritual father, for his prayers and encouragement.
He also expressed appreciation to the priests and religious, the St. Joseph’s Cathedral community, APGA faithful, traditional rulers, friends and well-wishers, as well as members of his family, particularly his wife, mother and siblings.
Ofobuike also thanked the entire staff of Aguata Local Government for their support during his tenure.
Other institutions and groups he appreciated included the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha, Diocese of Aba, Diocese of Umuahia and Diocese of Nnewi, Umuchu community, and the APGA State Chairman, Chief Ifeatu Obiokoye, among others.
He paid special tribute to Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, whom he described as his role model, for giving him the opportunity to serve as Mayor of Aguata Local Government.
The thanksgiving, attended by priests, religious, political associates, traditional rulers, family members, friends and well-wishers, ended on a note of gratitude, forgiveness and renewed commitment to peaceful relationships.
