Buhari Salutes Bishop Okpaleke On Appointment As Nigeria’s 5th Cardinal

BY EDMOND ODOK – President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed delight over the appointment of Bishop Peter Okpaleke of Ekwulobia Diocese in Anambra State as a Cardinal in the Catholic Church by Pope Francis.

Bishop Okpaleke becomes the fifth Cardinal from Nigeria. Others before him are Dominic Ekandem, who was the first West African Catholic Bishop, Francis Arinze, Anthony Okogie, and John Onaiyekan.

Appointed Bishop of Ahiara in 2012 and consecrated in 2013, the 59-year-old Priest is among the 21 new Cardinals announced on 29 May 2022 by Pope Francis.

The President, in a congratulatory message by his media aide, praised the Pope for finding a capable Nigerian in the person of Bishop Okpaleke to be one of the two nominees from the African continent.

He also saluted the Nigerian Christian Community on this choice, describing the Cardinal-designate as ably qualified, and that having him in that position would benefit the country.

Similarly, President Buhari applauded the Catholic Church’s commitment to the unity, peace, and progress of the Nigerian state, just as he highlighted its efforts in combating the COVID-19 pandemic as well as its support and commitment in favour of the poor and most vulnerable members of society.