Chiemelie Ezeobi
The Archbishop of Lagos State, Rev. Alfred Martins, has called on the military personnel fighting in the North-east to put in their best in securing the nation.
The Archbishop made the call while speaking with journalists when he took over the mantle of leadership as the military liaison bishop at St. Michael Military Catholic Church, Tamandu Barracks, Apapa, Lagos.
The Archbishop took over as the military liaison bishop from Archbishop Olubunmi Okogie, who was unavoidably absent.
He said, “Firstly, the fight being carried on at the North Eastern part of the country is a fight that relates to their professional calling. And eventually, we expect that they put in their level best in the fight against insurgency for the sake of the country and security of the nation as a whole.
“And of course we realise too that even though it is their professional duty, they are making a sacrifice which needs to be supported by everyone both in the military and government hierarchy.”
He also congratulated the military for doing quite a lot to ensure that the country remained together. He added that the armed forces had been working hard to ensure peace and stability in the country as a whole.
The Archbishop also said the liaison bishop had the responsibility of coordinating the activities of the chaplains as far as the pastoral ministry to the faithful was concerned.
“It is also responsible for working and sharing with them their pastoral strategies of the faithfuls, officers, men and their wives`,” he said.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin, represented by Maj.-Gen. Okon Ekanem congratulated the archbishop for taking the responsibility as the military liaison bishop.
The Director, Chaplain Services, Nigerian Army, Col. Charles Iroegbu, while speaking with journalists enjoined the military to be more committed and pray more for the growth and peace of the country. Also in the same occasion, the residence of the chaplain was inaugurated by the representative of the CDS.
Present at the handing over ceremony was the General Officer Commanding, 81 Division, Maj.-Gen. Isidore Edet and other top brass in the Nigerian military.
