NAN-H-70
Intrigues
By Emmanuel Acha
Enugu, July 10, 2017 (NAN) The Most Rev. Christopher Ede, the Archbishop of Enugu Diocese, Methodist Church, Nigeria, says most politicians thrive in blackmail, gossip and intrigues, in order to have their way.
Ede said this in Enugu at a thanksgiving service in honour of Chief Victor Atuonwu, the former Chief of Staff to Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State.
In a homily entitled ‘The Wonder of Friendship’ he said that the growth of intrigues in Nigerian politics was worrisome and very unhealthy.
The cleric observed that there seemed not to be friendship or permanent interest but “permanent selfishness in politics.”
Ede, however, applauded Ugwuanyi for proving a true ally to his former Chief of Staff by resisting pressures aimed at disgracing him in out of office.
“We are not unaware of the intrigues and pressures Ugwuanyi faced to remove him but he resisted.
“Atuonwu, on his part, exhibited character in managing the governor and his predecessor.”
Ede further commended the governor for accepting to work with a man who occupied the same position in the preceding administration.
In his remark, Ugwuanyi said that he had known the Atuonwu family for so many years and that they would remain allies and great partners.
“What I can say is that I have known the Atuonwu family for so many years. They remain great allies and partners and this will continue.”
Ugwuanyi thereafter, appealed to the church to always pray for his administration in order to lead well.
In his testimony, Atuonwu thanked the governor for remaining steadfast in spite of pressures and knocks.
“I pray God to give him able and trusted lieutenants to enable him to continue in the good works he is doing,” Atuonwu said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Atuonwu, who hails from Abia, is the first non-indigene to hold such an exalted position in the state.
He was appointment Chief of Staff in November 2014 by former Gov. Sullivan Chime and was subsequently reappointed by Ugwuanyi, a position he held till June 2017.
Dignitaries who attended the service included members of the State Executive Council, Sen. Chukwuka Utazi and former Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, amon others. (NAN)
EOA/OFN/NKO
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Edited by Felix Nwadioha/Nkechi Okoronkwo