All Who Offended Me are Forgiven, Forgive Me Too, Says Uzodimma
Ahead his inauguration for a second term, today, January 15, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State yesterday appealed to all Imo citizens to join hands with him in working together in an atmosphere of peace for the progress of the state, even as he apologized to persons he may have wittingly or unwittingly offended in the course of his duty as governor
Governor Uzodimma, speaking at the Maria Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri, during a combined preinauguration cum Armed Forces Remembrance Day Thanksgiving Service also urged those he may have offended in the course of discharging his official duties to find a place in their hearts to forgive him as well.
His words: "In renewing this covenant, I also acknowledge my imperfections as a mere mortal. In the course of doing this job as a Governor, I may have, wittingly or unwittingly offended some people. I want to take advantage of my presence here at the altar of God to apologise to these persons and ask to be forgiven.
In the same spirit, I have wholeheartedly forgiven those who may have offended me. I crave peace for our state. In that wise, let us work together in the atmosphere of peace for the progress of our State."
The governor affirmed that he is using the opportunity to renew his covenant with God and the people of Imo State concerning his governorship and resolve to serve only God and humanity.
Uzodimma noted that he is aware that only God gives power and having entrusted same in his care, first in 2020 and now following his reelection, the last thing he would do is to misuse it, declaring : "I know for a fact that I would never have been the Governor of Imo State without the approval of God. He made it clear that He bestows power on those He wishes.
“I also know my covenant with Him, which is to serve faithfully and honestly. I am here today to renew that covenant with God and the people of Imo State. I am also here to express my gratitude to God for the privilege of making me a Governor for the second time."
The Governor canvassed peace and invited all Imo people to embrace peace and unity so that the state can experience the development of everybody's dream.
On the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Governor Uzodimma said it was not a coincidence that his inauguration thanksgiving and swearing in ceremony on January 15 are taking place the same time, reminding the congregation of the need to pursue peace in our country.
He sought for prayers, always, for the souls of the departed soldiers who died defending the country and at the same, appealed to the public not to forget to take care of the families the dead soldiers left behind.
He promised that his government will continue to fulfill her obligations towards the wellbeing of the families of the unknown soldiers as well as those still in service.
The governor assured that his message of Shared Prosperity, Renewed Hope, Rebuild Imo, Cure for Poverty, Development of Imo State as an organized society where peace, progress and tranquility shall continue to resonate.
Earlier in his homily, His Grace, Most Rev Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, the Metropolitan See of Owerri Archdiocese of the Catholic Church, reminded politicians of the need to use their positions to serve God and humanity.
The Archbishop applauded the Armed Forces on their efforts to keep Nigeria one and the efforts of the nation to remember the fallen heroes and heroines, not forgetting their families.
"The Veterans (Legion) deserve our attention; they need not only our sympathy but equally our assistance by donating generously to the Nigerian Legion Trust Fund."
He urged Nigerians to refrain from lives of selfishness that shield them from patriotism just as he called for holiness anchored on chastity, honesty, purity and obedience.
He appealed for peace to reign in all aspects of the society, calling on those behind the terror, kidnapping and killings to sheath their swords.
The Archbishop also took a swipe at those behind “media war’’ in Imo State that tends to heat up the polity, create hatred and division and cause more problems for the society and urged those behind such to refrain forthwith.
His words: "Media war has cost a lot of devastation to the State and Nigeria in general," he said and called on those using the media as a weapon of attack to “stop the crusade of calumny.”
The Archbishop also harped on the need for those in positions of authority to shun corruption which he said, has become endemic in all sectors of the society.
Top government dignitaries, including the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, serving and former senators, and heads of the Armed Forces in Imo State joined the governor and his wife at the Thanksgiving Service.