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The Governor of Rivers state, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has announced the introduction of Ecclesiastical Courts, first of its kind in Nigeria that will purely handle Christian matters in the State.
Addressing Christians at the Civic Centre, Port Harcourt on Saturday after his investiture as the “Apostle of Peace” during the Rivers state Peace Campaign organized by the Christian Association of Nigeria, Governor Wike informed that the State Government has already submitted the bill for the creation of the Ecclesiastical Courts to the Rivers State House of Assembly.
He noted that the Ecclesiastical Courts will work alongside the Customary Courts to tackle issues directly affecting Christians in their daily lives.
“Other states have courts that handle their different religious issues. I want to reiterate that Rivers State is purely a Christian State. Therefore, issues that affect Christians must be tackled in legal ways that promote peace,” Wike said.
Governor Wike also informed that the Rivers State House of Assembly has amended relevant laws that permit the State Government to give grants to churches for the improvement of facilities in their schools.
In his remarks, the Rivers state chairman of the CAN, Most Rev Isaac Anyanasikike said that the State Peace Campaign is aimed at consolidating the gains of peace in the State.
The Cleric lauded Governor Wike for building peace across the State through his successful implementation of the State Amnesty Programme and his support for security agencies.
Explaining the reason behind the award of the “Apostle of Peace” to Governor Wike, an official of Rivers CAN, Rev Dan Obinna declared that Governor Wike has transformed the State into one of the most peaceful states in the country.
He said though the Governor inherited a state where insecurity reigned because the immediate past administration closed the courts for two years, incapacitated the Rivers State House of Assembly and destroyed the traditional rulers’ council.
He said immediately Governor Wike took over, he reinstated the institutions of Government and started the process of empowerment which has improved peace in the State.