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PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 8, 2021
By Musa Baba Adamu
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he Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu, Most Rev. Callistus Onaga, has commended Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State for the sacrifices he makes to ensure that Enugu State remains peaceful, secure and progressive in spite of the economic, security and public health challenges confronting the nation. Bishop Onaga who spoke during the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols held at the Holy Ghost Cathedral, Ogui, Enugu, yesterday, described Gov. Ugwuanyi as “a man of peace and a very nice and plain man who feels the pulse of the people”, disclosing that the governor has satisfied more than 80 percent of people from the state. His words: “Your Excellency our father of Enugu State we cannot thank you enough both as church and citizens of this state, you are a man of peace. You will do everything to make sure there is peace. It will be difficult for anyone to fault your peaceful nature”. The Bishop therefore lauded Gov. Ugwuanyi for accommodating everybody in the state irrespective of political, religious and social differences, saying: “May God continue to give you that gift. I am sure you have satisfied more than 80 percent of people of Enugu State”. Applauding Gov. Ugwuanyi for the numerous development projects his administration has executed in the state especially in the rural areas where he promised in his inaugural address to develop, Bishop Onaga said: “I was coming from our Convocation in Ugwuomu and whoever knows where Ugwuomu is, knows that it is almost at the extreme end of this very state; and the beautiful road constructed there made it possible for us to be going right into the Lake in that place. “But I was surprised that as I was coming to Ugwuomu, I noticed that it wasn’t only Ugwuomu that benefited from that very road construction but it came out to Nkwubor; some people don’t even know where I am calling. Here in Nike, it came out to the junction leading to Umuchigbo and everywhere was tarred. “I have gone to places like Obollo Eke, Obollo Afor, Obollo Etiti, all the Obollos, including Imilike Enu and Imilike Ani, they are tarred if you don’t know. “It is good to say these things because some people don’t know these things are happening. His Excellency said it, I was there during his inauguration, he said I will face Nsukka and 9th Mile”. Stressing on the existing peace in Enugu State, the cleric stated that “what is most interesting to me, Your Excellency, is the
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Gov. Ugwuanyi has satisfied over 80 percent of Enugu people – Bishop Onaga peaceful atmosphere in Enugu State. In November, just before the election in Anambra State, the roads here were blocked, people were rushing into Enugu to take their refuge, and you will be wondering has the South East collapsed into Enugu? But that is it, everybody coming here to take refuge”. Also appreciating Gov. Ugwuanyi for his consistency in attending the annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at the
Cathedral since he assumed office in 2015, the Bishop recounted the governor’s commitment and contributions to the successful hosting of the Second Plenary Meeting of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) in Enugu, recently, saying: “You (Ugwuanyi) made it possible, we thank you for that. On that day, everybody knew you were at the centre. You came in 30 minutes before the time, waiting for everybody and the Papal
Nuncio and the Archbishops were wondering this person would have been a priest and not a governor”. The Speaker of Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi; the Acting Chief Judge of the State, Hon. Justice Raymond Ozoemena; former Chief Judge of the State, Hon. Justice Priscilla Ngozi Emehelu (Rtd.); the Chairman, Enugu State Traditional Rulers’ Council, HRH Igwe Amb. Lawrence
Agubuzu; Senator Ben Collins Ndu; former Minister of Aviation, Amb. Mrs. Fidelia Njeze; former President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo; Chairman of Enugu South Local Government Area, Hon. Monday Eneh; Chief Evarest Nnaji (Odengene); Barr. Cosmas Agu (COMAG); Ike Chioke and Sir Chinedu Ani were among the dignitaries at the colourful religious event heralding the sound bites of Christmas.
Deputy Governor of Rivers, Mrs Ipalibo Harry-Banigo (L) presents a Humanitarian Award to Imam Abdullahi Abubakar, a Jos-based Islamic scholar who hid away some Christians in his Mosque from their attackers, during the 4th DAAR Awards 2021 ceremony in Abuja on Monday (6/12/21) night.
Ex PDP Chairman, Uche Secondus’s suspension suit stalled at Supreme Court
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he Supreme Court in Abuja on Monday abruptly adjourned a hearing in the legal battle of former National Chairman of the People Democratic Party PDP, Prince Uche Secondus challenging his removal from office before the expiration of his four years tenure. The suit slated for hearing today, December 6th by the apex court was shifted by twentyfour hours following the nonappearance in the court of one of the key defendants, Dan Oji Orbhi. When the matter came up, it was discovered that Orbhi who is
the 8th defendant in the appeal was not personally present in court and was not represented by a counsel. Rather, his earlier counsel, Chief Godwin Obla SAN wrote the court informing it that Orbhi has not briefed him to properly to stand as his counsel at the Supreme Court. However, counsel to Uche Secondus, Mr Oba Maduabuchi SAN protested the development claiming that Orbhi was not sued by his client but that the defendant imposed himself on the excuse of being Zonal Chairman of PDP. He sought to move a motion
for substituted service to enable him serve the defendant with all court processes through the PDP Zonal office. Justice Mohammed Musa Dattijo who led a 5-man panel Justice of the court fixed tomorrow December 7 for a hearing of all pending applicants in respect of the matter. Apart from Dan Orbhi, other defendants in the appeal are Ibeawuchi Ernest Alex, Dennis Nna Amadi, Emmanuel Stephen, Umezurike Onuoha, Godwin Pepple Manfred, PDP, Senator Suleiman Nazif, Hon Solomon Ejike Ogbonna, Hon Uche Emmanuel Minukwa and
Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyawu. It will be recalled that the Court of Appeal sitting in Port Harcourt had on October 26 dismissed an application challenging the suspension of Secondus from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). A panel of three justices led by Justice Haruna Tsammani struck out the suit during its sitting in the Rivers State capital. This prompted Secondus to approach the Supreme Court praying for an order to quash his dispensation and as well restore him to office to complete his four years tenure.
