The new Bishop of Catholic Diocese of Warri, Delta State, Most Rev. Anthony Ewherido has called on Nigerians to pray for a peaceful 2023 general elections.
Bishop Ewherido said Nigerians must contribute their quota in shaping the nation by ensuring that the nation has a peaceful, free and fair elections this year.
Ewherido who spoke after his installation and ordination as the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Warri by Pope Francis at an occasion held at the Holy Martyr of Uganda Minor Seminary, Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of the state, said this year is a very important year for Nigerians.
He therefore, appealed to all to “Shun corruption; don’t sell your birthright; carry out your civic responsibility and vote your conscience for the good of our nation.”
While thanking all those who made the ceremony a success, Ewherido said his Ordination was made possible by the grace of God.
Ewherido promised to walk with the church “as a servant of God and servant of God’s people, guided by the will of God, the mind of Christ, the promptings of the Holy Spirit, and the motherly intercession of our Blessed Mother, under the special title of Mother of Perpetual Help.”
Earlier, Pope Francis, who was represented by the Papal Nuncio, Most Rev. Antonio Guido Filipazzi, told Ewherido that his new position was a call to service and not a position of prestige or honour.
He added that his new position is to protect the holy order and shepherd the flock of Christ.
The interim Archbishop of Benin Diocese, Archbishop Augustine Akabueze, urged Nigerians to go out and vote for the candidates of their choice in the forthcoming election.
The installation ceremony was attended by several dignitaries including the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, represented by his Chief of Staff, Rt. Hon. Ovie Agas; immediate past Governor of the state, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan; Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege; speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and former minister of state for education, Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi.
Also in attendance were revered traditional rulers from across the state including; His Royal Majesty, Abe 1, Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom; Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse 111; Paramount Ruler of Seimbiri Kingdom King Charles Ayemi- Botu; HRM Okobaro of Ughievwen Kingdom, Owawha 1; His Royal Majesty, Ogurime-rime, Ukori I; His Royal Majesty, Odionlogbo of Oleh Kingdom; His Royal Majesty, Ovie of Ozoro Kingdom; immediate past President-General of Urhobo Progress Union, Olorogun Moses Taiga and former minister of information, Prof Sam Oyovbaire.
