The Senior Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Southeast Engagement, Barr Chioma Nweze, has said that she was thrown into mourning when she received the news of the demise of the Catholic Bishop of Abakaliki Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Peter Nworie Chukwu, describing the departed Bishop as a defender of the Christian faith.
In her message to the Catholic Church and the people of Ebonyi State on Monday in Abakaliki, Barr. Nweze noted that Bishop Chukwu was a devoted Christian whose life exemplified his faith and belief in God, adding that he devoted his life to working for the progress and spread of the gospel and that his commitment to working in the Lord’s vineyard stood him out as a messenger of God Almighty.
She said that the passing of Bishop Chukwu represents not only the loss of a spiritual leader but also that of a moral compass and a father figure to the faithful across the Diocese and the wider Christian community.
She added that he will forever be remembered as a man of vision, discipline, and uncommon patriotism who laid a solid socioeconomic and religious foundation for Catholic faithful even beyond.
She further stated that when he was ordained Bishop of Abakaliki Diocese, Bishop Chukwu took up the historic responsibility of giving direction, hope, and administrative structure to serve mankind.
“With courage, foresight, hindsight, and selflessness, he nurtured the dreams of expanding the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ to the hinterland,” she stated.
“His commitment to public service, his humility in leadership, and his passion for national unity and growth of the Church stood as enduring legacies that will continue to inspire generations of Ebonyians, including me.”
Barr Nweze noted that the story of Catholic Church progress cannot be told without acknowledging the dire sacrifices and statesmanship of the late Bishop Chukwu.
“We are going to miss you so very much, and the relationship you shared with everyone has created a vacuum we do not know how to fill.”
Chioma Nweze mourns Bishop Chukwu, calls him defender of Christian faith