All Progressives Congress presidential candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has hailed the elevation of Bishop Peter Ebere Okpaleke to Cardinal by Pope Francis as a deserving honour to the Bishop and Nigeria as a country.
Tinubu thanked the Pope and the Catholic Church for finding Bishop of Ekwulobia in Anambra State worthy of the elevation, describing it as further confirmation of the progress of Christianity and depth of catholicism in Nigeria.
Okpaleke has by the elevation joined the rank of impeccable Catholic clergymen from Nigeria such as Cardinal Francis Arinse, Cardinal Anthony Olubunmi Okogie and Cardinal John Onaiyekan who are members of the Conclave.
Tunde Rahman quoted Tinubu as saying that “I most heartily congratulate Bishop Peter Ebere Okpaleke on his ordainment as a Cardinal. This deserving elevation is not one just for the Bishop, but a honour done to Nigeria by Pope Francis.
“It is a thing of great joy that the Pope has found another Nigerian worthy of this elevation. We are happy for this great honour which is also a call for higher service in the vineyard.
“I pray to God that the Catholic Church will continue its many good works in Nigeria and, that with this elevation, Cardinal Okpaleke, shall, through his ministry, further glorify the name of God for the benefit of the Catholic Church, for all the people of Nigeria and for the advancement of humanity.”
