David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has disclosed that he has ordered the distribution of the state Burial Law booklet to all communities in the state.
The governor said such action would keep people abreast with the provisions of the law, and also help them to avoid contravening them.
Soludo, who spoke at the funeral mass of late Rev. Fr. Prof. Stephen Chukwujekwu yesterday at St. Patrick Cathedral in Awka, said the state government plans to enforce compliance of the law.
The Anambra State Burial Law, which was made by the administration of former state Governor, Willie Obiano, had banned ostentatious display of wealth during burials.
Some of the provisions of the law banned serving food at burials, production of voluminous brochures, limiting days of event to just one, and banning other flamboyant expenditures.
Soludo had in December last year buried his late father, Pa Simeon Soludo, and had boasted that he adhered strictly to the law.
The governor, speaking at St Patrick’s Cathedral, said: “The late priest was a brother, friend, and former colleague to me. I offer condolences to the family and the church, and I commend the compliance with the state’s burial law.
“There is a growing awareness and compliance with the burial law among Anambra citizens. The distribution of the booklet containing the law’s full details are in all communities, and I emphasise that its strict enforcement will begin soon.”
Soludo emphasizsed the importance of respecting laws, stating that without obedience, even religious principles like the Ten Commandments would be useless, while calling for adherence to the law.
Last Wednesday, Soludo had tongue-lashed Rev Fr Emmanuel Obimma and his brother, Charles, during the burial of their late mother, Grace.
The governor rebuked them for holding an ostentatious burial for their late mother in violation of the state’s burial law. He noted that Charles Obimma, a former member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, was a part of the lawmakers who passed the Anambra Burial Law, but expressed disappointment that he flaunted it.
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