Anambra - Gov. Peter Obi of Anambra has promised to conduct local government polls in the state to further entrench the dividends of democracy in the grassroots.
Obi made the promise at the inaugural ceremony and outing mass for Awka Grand Commandery of Knights of St. John International at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Awka, on Sunday.
The governor made the remarks in acknowledgement of the submissions of the National Good Governance Team led by the Minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the team concluded its assignment in the state on Saturday that there was need for conduct of local government elections.
Obi also gave an assurance that the state government would intensify efforts to improve on environmental sanitation in the state.
Represented by the Commissioner for Works, Mr Calistus Ilozumba, Obi appealed to the church to collaborate with his administration to enable it to achieve the set goals.
He also requester for prayers for a better successor.
He charged the Knights to continue to uphold their obligations to the church and the society.
“As soldiers of Christ, I enjoin you to remain focused in your avowed drive to entrench the heritage of social relevance through spirituality and good morals which the church propagates to the human society.”
In his remark, the Supreme Subordinate President, Noble Knight, Maj.-Gen. Anselem Okafor, expressed the organisation’s support toward the fight against insecurity, suppression and other vices in governance, school system, town and market unions as well as in the church.
Earlier in a sermon, the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, the Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, charged the congregation to live a life that glorified God as well as assist the poor and needy in the society.
Ezeokafor enjoined the Knights to see their elevation as a call to serve the society and work hard in the vine yard of God.
NAN