By Vincent Ujumadu
AWKA—THE Emeritus Catholic Bishop of Issele-Uku, Rt Rev Emmanuel Otteh, has said that the decision of Governor Peter Obi to return schools taken over by government after the Nigerian civil war to their original owners would help reduce the ills in the society.

The state government recently handed over 48 secondary schools to their original missionary owners, a move that had attracted commendations from many people.

Noting that the aim of the schools was to serve humanity and raise people with good characters, Otteh told Governor Obi in a letter: “I heard that you have taken a very bold step in your second term in office to return schools to their original owners, not only secondary schools, but also primary schools.

“No other government, to my knowledge, has done so.  It shows that you really mean well for our children, both for their intellectual and moral upbringing.

“The taking over of schools by government was through Mr. Ukpabi Asika of East Central State.  This action was the cause of all the evils that we are suffering today, starting with armed robbery.”

“The Government took away the schools from their owners by force of arms.  This is the origin of armed robbery, examination malpractices, cheating, corruption and cultism followed and eventually culminated in kidnapping of innocent citizens.  Evils abound because there was no knowledge of God in the land.

“The Easterners were known for their love of Education, and their certificates were highly respected in the past, but what is it like today.

“I write to congratulate you on this spectacular achievement.  Don’t be deterred by any critics and enemies of progress.  Give every school back to its original owner properly documented.  This is justice in practice.

“Some states boastfully announce giving free primary and secondary education to their children.  Your paying salaries of teachers and helping to rebuild and equip schools will be equivalent to free education.

“Just as Mr. Ukpabi Asika was being remembered for the taking over of schools, you Mr. Peter Obi will be remembered for returning them.  God will bless you for doing this.  We pray for you.  May God bless you and your government and long live Anambra State,” Bishop Otteh wrote.