By David Okpala/Stella Okpala
The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has reiterated government resolve to giving all religious organizations equal opportunities to operate within the orbit of the law.
He said this shortly after funeral cum burial Mass of HRH, Igwe Col. (Retired) Christopher A. O Muoghalu, at St Patrick’s Catholic Church Isuofia, in Aguata LGA, on July 17.
The Governor said, “The Constitutional right or freedom of worship is for everyone. It include indigenes, none indigenes, strangers, devoid of gender differences.
“So, the idea of blocking road with masquerade in the name of celebrating or worshipping one deity or the other is disallowed.
“The road is for everybody irrespective of religious inclinations.
“Therefore, blocking it with masquerade in the name of religious celebration is offensive to members of other religious organizations, as such, should be avoided.
“If masquerade must be in your worship or celebration, it must be inside fenced shrine of the deity being celebrated.”
He enjoined masquerade makers across Anambra State to behave their selves or face full weight of the law if apprehended.
Governor Soludo poured encomiums on the life and time of late Igwe Muoghalu, describing him as a capacity builder, peaceful man.
He advised the deceased children to hold tenaciously Muoghalu’s peacefulness, acknowledging that it is a great loss to Ndi Isuofia, Anambra State and Nigeria at large, yet ask them to take solace upon the fact that he lived life worthy of emulation.
On who succeeds him, Soludo said, “The throne is not vacant. In accordance to culture, until January, 2027 when last Ofala will take place.
He, however, expressed optimism that selection of a successor will be peaceful and orderly since Isuofia Town is united and peaceful.
David Okpala and Stella Okpala are of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
