Amby Uneze in Owerri
The Administrator of the Maria Assumpta Catholic Cathedral, Owerri, Imo State, Rev. Fr. Martin Ohajunwa has condemned the inexplicable act of hooliganism exhibited by some hired thugs on Saturday to disrupt the Odenigbo Lecture that was going on at the premises of Maria Assumpta Catholic Cathedral Owerri.
In the same vain, the State chapter of the African Democratic Party (ADC) also frowned on the inglorious act as it called on the Imo State government and the police to fish out the perpetrators and punish them.
Fr. Ohajunwa in a sermon on Sunday at the Church, described the unfortunate brigandage as a 'slap on Igbos' noting that Igbos should rise up and live above such condemnable act.
He warned the youths of Igbo extraction to find something meaningful to do instead of involving in political thuggery that would eventually damage their future.
According to him, those who sent these youths to come to the Sacred Altar of God at Maria Assumpta Catholic Cathedral Owerri made a very big mistake because from the history of Assumpta dating back to the civil war that all attempt to bomb the place were unsuccessful, adding that they came to the wrong place.
He stated that some of the hoodlums that were arrested by the Church security revealed the identity of their sponsors and warmed them to desist forthwith to toil the premises of the church, adding "the wrath of God would descend on them."
THISDAY reliably gathered that the thugs were sent to disrupt the speech of the former governor of Kaduna State, Mallam El-Rufai who came on a private visit to the State and decided to attend the Church function.
Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress, Imo State Chapter has strongly condemned the desecration of the Odenigbo Lecture organized by the Assumpta Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri and described the act as deeply alarming and threaten the peace, stability, and moral fabric of Imo State.
The party's release and signed by the State Public Secretary, Chief Macdonald Amadi stated that such acts of lawlessness are unacceptable and must be addressed decisively.
"We condemn this blatant display of thuggery in the strongest possible terms. The perpetrators’ actions are not only a direct affront to the Catholic Church but also a threat to societal harmony, particularly as the nation approaches critical electoral exercises. The rule of law must prevail over chaos and intimidation.
"The ADC Imo State Chapter calls on the Imo State Government and all security agencies to arrest and prosecute the perpetrators to serve as a deterrent against future acts of lawlessness, ensure the safety and security of citizens, particularly during religious and civic events and uphold the rule of law and protect the sanctity of places of worship and public gatherings.
"We further urge all citizens to remain calm, peaceful, and disciplined. The strength of Imo State lies in its people’s respect for law, tolerance, and civic responsibility.
"Imo State has always stood as a beacon of peace, learning, and hospitality. Our people are industrious, tolerant, and deeply rooted in republican values that celebrate dialogue, engagement, and respect for law and order. We will not allow fringe elements, paid provocateurs, or acts of violence to redefine our heritage or tarnish the image of our state. Ndi-Imo remain steadfast in discipline and civility, showing that true strength lies in ideas, integrity, and peaceful action, not in chaos or intimidation," the release stated
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