The Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, His Lordship, Most Reverend Matthew Hassan Kukah, has commended the Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra for his efforts to speed up the development of the state in the past 18 months.

Bishop Kukah spoke during a courtesy visit on Governor Obiano at the Government House, Awka on Monday, applauding him for the giant strides of his administration and imploreing him not to relevant in his efforts.

“Your Excellency, we are witnesses to the efforts you have made to serve your people. We ask God to bless you and stay with you and to help you keep Anambra safe,” Bishop Kukah prayed. He observed that it was time politicians made politics a cleaner engagement in order to motivate the younger generations to emulate their footsteps.

“Politicians must strive to make politics noble. When people get a chance to serve, my prayer and hope is that people coming after them would learn from them because politics has become a career,” the august visitor said.

He condemned what he described as a visible disconnection between Nigerian leaders and their subjects and called for provision of an enabling environment to prepare youths for leadership positions in the future.

Bishop Kukah therefore urged Nigerians who have the opportunity to serve their country to be mindful of the weight of their offices and to set a good example in public conduct.

In his speech after briefly putting the Executive Council Meeting on hold to welcome the Bishop, Obiano extolled Kukah for his rare courage, fearlessness and commitment to the cause of the common man.

“I commend your courage in the way you present your views on Nigeria and your ability to speak without fear. Sometimes, we fear that your speeches may land you in trouble, but because you speak the truth, you always speak without fear or favour,” the governor remarked.

Governor Obiano commended Bishop Kukah for his willingness to offer wise counsel to pubic office holders, urging them to see governance as a call to duty. He praised him for his dedication, hinesty and commitment to the spread of the word of God.

Earlier the opening remarks, the Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Ogbuefi Tony Nnacheta, observed that Bishop Kukah meant different things to different people, describing him as a scholar and a towering intellectual giant. He further described Kukah as a Bishop Without Border who has been involved not only in the religious and political activities in the Northern Nigeria, but also in the making of Nigeria for over 20 years.

•Photo shows, L-R; Mathew Hassan Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese; Chief Willie Obiano, Governor of Anambra State; and Dr. Nkem Okeke, Deputy Governor of Anambra State, during Bishop Kukah’s courtesy visit to the Government House, Awka . . . Monday.