By Emma Okereke
Owerri
Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Egbu, Rt.Rev. Geoffrey Okorafor has identified pride and arrogance as responsible for the various problems plaguing the nation.
He noted that not only has pride caused great damage to the society but stressed that most failed programmes and policies of the country were due to the bloated ego of those in leadership position.
Bishop Okorafor who made the observation during a Eucharistic service at St. Michael’s Anglican Church, Uboegbelu in Owerri North Local Government, Imo State, pointed out that the situation of failed policies due to this overbearing attitude were more noticeable in States, especially in Imo State.
He explained that their inordinate self esteem has obscured them from being rational in some of their decisions.
He cited the impasse in Imo State over the sacking over 3000 workers and prayed for God’s intervention.
Making reference to the bible reading of the day taken from 2Kings 5 verses 1-14, the Prelate noted that Naaman owing to his swollen ego had left in a rage, against the urge by Prophet Elisha to go and deep himself into river Jordan,pointing out that he would have missed having his flesh restored and cleanse of the leprosy but for having listened to the advice of his servant and dipped himself into river Jordan. He stressed that Naaman got washed and cleansed as was advised by the Prophet.
As the world observed leprosy day, to create the needed awareness concerning the infectious chronic disease , the Anglican Prelate noted that diverse types of leprosy has eaten deep into some professed Christians. A good number of them he further observed have, as a result this ailment failed to attain their ambitions in lives. He advised that they should not only re-examine themselves but purge themselves of pride and arrogance if they were to washed and cleansed.
To congregation of St. Michael’s, Bishop Okorafor encouraged them not to be dismayed at their numerical strength or should it constitute any deterrent to their growth, stressing that God does not work with number. He also sympathized with them over the recent passing on of their station priest, Rev. Michael Nwankwo and urged them to take solace in the all knowing.