Barely a week to the Anambra State governorship election, some clerics in the state have given their support to a former aviation minister, Mr. Osita Chidoka, who is the standard bearer of the United Progressive Party in the poll.
Our correspondent gathered that among the clerics who are interceding for Chidoka are the Spiritual Director of the Holy Ghost Adoration Ministry, Uke, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Obimma, known as Ebube Muonso and an Anglican priest, Ven. Stanley Awuzie.
Others are the Anglican Bishop of the Diocese on the Niger, Rt. Rev Owen Dozie Nwokolo, Bishop of Niger West Diocese, Aguleri, Rt. Rev. Johnson Ekwe and the Methodist Bishop of Onitsha, Rt. Rev. Biereonwu Onuagha.
Chidoka, who has embarked on prayers since the commencement of his campaigns, was at the St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, Egbema, Ozubulu, where he got the blessing of Ven. Awuzie who laid hands on him as a symbol of blessing and endorsement.
Reading from 1 Samuel chapter 16, where God chose David from among his brothers, to rule as King over Israel, Awuzie said “God will never disappoint those who humble themselves and set their hearts upon Him.”
He asked Chidoka to remain steadfast in his belief in God and love for humanity.
The Anglican cleric asked God to give the ex-aviation minister the divine direction, energy and the right alliances to succeed, while praying that Anambra should have a hitch-free election.
Rev. Fr. Obimma of the Catholic Church had earlier at a special service at the Uke Adoration Ground, recounted Chidoka’s affinity to the Catholic Church including his role during Pope John Paul II’s visit to Nigeria in 1996, as well as his contributions as advisor to Pope Benedict on the Vatican transport system.
Responding, Chidoka said he had been praying not only for his success at the poll but also for the overall good of Anambra State.
He said, “My mission is a product of intense prayers to God and consultations with our people. Prayers and faith in God are at the root of all we do. Some people trust in the arm of flesh, others in horses and chariots, but we trust in the name of the Lord, our God.”
The UPP National Chairman, Chief Chekwas Okorie; Chidoka’s running mate, Chief Marcel Okeke were among those who attended the prayer session.