Awka – Relevant authorities, institutions and organizations that usually award honours and recognition, have been urged to only grant such to those who are really exceptional in their considered fields and not be swayed by monetary considerations.
Two-time Anambra State Governor and Vice-Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the last presidential election, Mr. Peter Obi gave the advice on Sunday, during the investiture of eight new Papal Knights at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Awka.
Speaking to the press after the event, Obi described granting of perquisites and dignities as a way society and organizations honour those who have distinguished themselves, while indirectly charging them not to relent in their good deeds.
Describing those that were honoured by the Pope as men who merited the honour going by their contributions to the Church and the society, Obi however decried what he called abuse of honour in certain quarters.
Explaining further, Obi said what the society normally witness today, are the antics of all manner of associations trading with honour as if they were commodities.
“Any society that trades honour like commodity is showing bad example by defining our values in terms of cash and carry. This must be resisted as it not only smears diligence but also has a way of encouraging negativity,” he said.
Earlier in a homily, the Auxiliary Bishop of Awka Catholic Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Jonas Benson Okoye called on the new papal knights not to relent in their services to the Church and humanity.
He also appealed to politicians to stop killing themselves and play politics with fear of God and the interest of the people at heart.
The mass, presided over by the Catholic Bishop of Awka, Most Rev. Dr. Paulinus Ezeokafor, was concelebrated with the Bishop Ekwulobia Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Peter Okpaleke and many priests.
