The Imo State Chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned what it described as the “desecration of the Odenigbo lecture,” organised by the Catholic Diocese of Owerri, Imo State.
The Odenigbo lecture is an annual event of the Catholic Church organised to shore support for Igbo culture and practices, including the Igbo language.
It was gathered that the lecture, billed at the Assumpta Catholic Cathedral, Owerri, was met with protest by some allegedly paid placard-carrying women, youths, and thugs, following the presence of the former governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El’Rufai, who accompanied the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, to the event.
El-Rufai was said to have arrived in the state on Friday and had, in the company of Obi, attended an event held by the Anglican Diocese of Egbu, as well as visited some traditional rulers before the Odenigbo lecture on Saturday.
Reacting to the development in a statement on Sunday, Imo State Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Chief Macdonald Amadi, condemned any act of violence, saying the party was not against anybody but is interested in a transparent society where people can freely mingle.
Amadi stated that the actions of hoodlums who disrupted the event and desecrated the altar are deeply alarming and threaten the peace, stability, and moral fabric of Imo State, adding that such acts of lawlessness were 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,” he said.
The party called on the state government and security agencies to immediately 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; as well as 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 remains steadfast in discipline and civility, showing that true strength lies in ideas, integrity, and peaceful action, not in chaos or intimidation,” the statement added.
