Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi has felicitated with His Eminence, Peter Cardinal Okpaleke on his canonical induction into the Red Hat from His Holiness, Pope Francis.
Okpaleke received the Red Hat at a Consistory in Rome on Saturday , by which function, he has become a fully fledged Prince of the Universal Church.
Obi in a statement said “He has remained a blessing to not just the church in Nigeria, but the universal church. His patience, understanding and wide perspectives on issues remain some of his valuable assets that have continued to propel him higher in the priestly vocation.
“The massive turn out of Nigerians across regions and religions at the event added colour to the day, and reinforced the spirit of love and unity which transcends tribe and religion, and for which Nigeria is known”.
Also, Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, congratulated Cardinal Okpalaeke, Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese on his elevation to the cardinalate by Pope Francis with twenty others across the globe
Governor Soludo, who was at St Peters’ Square, Vatican, Rome, in Company of his wife, Mrs Nonye Soludo, as a Special Guest and leader of Ndi Anambra delegation, described the elevation as a befitting reward for the Bishop who over the years, has shown exemplary conduct in the service of God through great personal sacrifices and outstanding contributions to ecumenical services in the Church.
With this elevation, Cardinal Okpalaeke becomes the only active Cardinal in Nigeria and also the highest in rank among Nigerian clergy men
Recall that Nigeria has had four Cardinals before the appointment of His Eminence, Peter Ebere Cardinal Okpalaeke, namely: Dominic Cardinal Ekandem of blessed memory, Francis Cardinal Arinze, Anthony Cardinal Okojie and John Cardinal Onaiyekan respectively.
On behalf of the Government and good people of Anambra State, Governor Soludo prayed that God would grant Cardinal Okpalaeke more strength, sound health and wisdom to excel in his new assignment in the vineyard of God.
