Bishop Anthony Ademu Adaji
‘Obi came to our rescue when we had no help’
By John Ajayi
The Catholic Bishop of Idah Diocese, Rev Anthony Ademu Adaji (MSP), has described Mr Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), as one whose public life and political journey consistently embody the hope of the poor and suffering people of Nigeria.
Obi, who was at Our Lady Pro Cathedral in Idah, Kogi State, for his Christmas celebration, was received with a hero’s welcome, which Bishop Adaji said was a sign of his acceptability among the people, for whom he always cares.
Welcoming him to Idah Diocese, Adaji said that Obi was the “first President-to-be” to visit the Diocese.
He recalled how Obi came to their rescue when their towns and villages were submerged by floods.
His words: “The Ibaji people will never forget your [Obi] kindness and generosity, which remained consistent over the years.
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“You came to our rescue when we were completely helpless and you wiped our tears. We are happy to have you in our midst again today.”
He described Obi’s journey to the Presidency as one which inspires hope and trust among Nigerians, especially the poor, who are the major victims of bad governance in Nigeria.
He said, “Obi is not a man who segregates between the rich and the poor. He transverses the nook and cranny of the country to meet and relate with everyone, rich and poor alike.
“By his presidential aspirations, he is writing the story of true democracy in our country.”
After the Mass, Obi said that Christmas was about spreading love, stressing that he decided to mark his Christmas celebration in Kogi State because he remembered how the people faced severe challenges during the flood disaster.
“Christmas is about sharing in one another’s pains and joys,” Obi said.
He appreciated the Bishop, the faithful of Idah Diocese, the Ibaji people and the people of Kogi State for their warm welcome.
He urged Nigerians to remain hopeful for a better nation while urging them to remain steadfast in their quest to take back their nation.
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