The Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ihuoma Emeruwa, has congratulated the member representing Aba Central State Constituency, Hon. Stephen Akachukwu Ucheonye, on his investiture into the Order of the Knights of St. Mulumba (KSM) of the Catholic Church.
Emeruwa conveyed his congratulations on Sunday during a thanksgiving celebration held in honour of the lawmaker at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Market Road, Aba.
Speaking at the event, the Speaker described Ucheonye’s investiture as a significant milestone in his spiritual journey and a demonstration of his commitment to the Christian faith.
He noted that his own membership in the Order of the Knights of St. Christopher in the Anglican Communion had given him a deeper understanding of the values, responsibilities and spiritual obligations associated with knighthood.
Emeruwa also highlighted the cordial relationship between the Anglican Knights of St. Christopher and their Catholic counterparts in the Order of St. Mulumba, describing the bond as one built on shared Christian values and brotherhood.
Speaking on behalf of the leadership and members of the Abia State House of Assembly, the Speaker expressed delight over Ucheonye’s elevation, describing his decision to embrace knighthood as a bold step reflecting spiritual maturity, dedication and growth in the Christian faith.
The Speaker further recalled his longstanding relationship with St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Aba, dating back to his tenure as Chairman of Aba South Local Government Area.
According to him, the relationship has remained strong over the years, with several memorable engagements between him and the church.
“My relationship with St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Aba, dates back many years. It has been an incredibly significant and impactful journey, and I remain deeply connected to the Church. When the church was renovated and remodelled, we were here to witness the dedication. Those memories and occasions are important,” Emeruwa stated.
Reaffirming his commitment to supporting the church, the Speaker stressed that effective governance and improved public services remain among the most meaningful ways of promoting the welfare of religious institutions and residents of the state.
“We shall continue to support the church in any way we can. There is no better way to support the church and all Abians than ensuring that the system works for all. The location of this church is under the Aba South State Constituency, my constituency, and I owe a responsibility to the church,” he added.
As part of activities marking the celebration, Emeruwa announced financial donations on behalf of himself and his colleagues in the Abia State House of Assembly in support of the church’s children and youth harvest.
The Speaker’s remarks and gesture underscored his continued relationship with the Catholic community in Aba and his commitment to supporting religious institutions within his constituency.
The development was disclosed in a statement by Patrick Uchechukwu Okechukwu, Personal Assistant on Media to the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly.
