Buhari also praised the Catholic Church for promoting peace and tranquility and helping in combating the Covid-19 pandemic
By Kehinde Okeowo
The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), on Wednesday, congratulated Bishop Peter Okpaleke of Ekwulobia Catholic Diocese in Anambra State, following his appointment as a Cardinal by Pope Francis.
The felicitation was contained in a statement made available to TheNiche by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the president, Mallam Garba Shehu.
Buhari thanked the Pope for choosing a competent Nigerian in the person of Bishop Okpaleke, as one of the two nominees chosen from the African continent.
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The President also congratulated the Nigerian Christian Community on the achievement and described Okpaleke as someone who will judiciously use the new position to the benefit of Nigeria.
He also praised the Catholic Church for promoting peace and tranquility in the country, specifically noting its contribution to the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.
The statement which was titled ‘President Buhari welcomes appointment of Bishop Okpaleke as 4th cardinal from Nigeria’ read:
“President Muhammadu Buhari expresses happiness with the appointment of Bishop Peter Okpaleke of Ekwulobia Diocese, Anambra State, as a Cardinal in the Catholic Church by Pope Francis,”
The statement continued, “The President also commended the commitment of the Catholic Church to the unity, peace, and progress of the Nigerian state. He also highlighted the effort of the Church in combating the COVID-19 pandemic as well as its support and commitment in favour of the poor and most vulnerable members of the society.”
Bishop Okpaleke becomes the fourth Cardinal from Nigeria, after Bishops Francis Arinze, Anthony Okogie, and John Onaiyekan. He is among the 21 newly appointed Cardinal-designate by Pope Francis.
