2023 polls: Ugwuanyi victim of sycophancy, betrayal – Bishop Onah

Catholic Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, Prof Godfrey Onah, weekend, described the outcome of the 2023 general elections as it affected former Enugu State governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi as an act of betrayal.

It could be recalled that Ugwuanyi lost the Enugu North Senatorial zone election to Okey Ezea of the Labour Party, LP.

In his homily during a holy mass to mark Ugwuanyi’s 60th birthday, Onah said truth will catch up with opportunists, egoists who distorted and misinterpreted facts with lies.

the process leading to the election, many Catholic priests in Nsukka Diocese campaigned against Ugwuanyi.

They had asked their members to vote for the party that represents ‘Jesu, Virgin Maria and Joseph’, signifying the family image contained in the logo of the Labour Party.

However, as the former governor celebrated his birthday, over 150 of the priests gathered in what many described as an opportunity for them to redeem their image before him (Ugwuanyi).

Apparently referring to the outcome of the election, Bishop Onah said Ugwuanyi had demonstrated an unwavering faith and trust in God in all circumstances of life.

While pointing out that sycophancy and betrayal were parts of the cross that any leader must carry, he told Ugwuanyi that: “Opportunists and egoists may have presented distortions or misinterpretations to you as facts in an attempt to hide their own mischief or failure.

“But, as the Italians say, lies have short legs. The truth soon catches up with it.

“We pray that God may enlighten you with his truth, so that you may be able to separate the grains from the chaff.

“Those who had hoped that the recent political events in our state would sway your trust in your God and fidelity to your Church are by now, probably disappointed. As Scripture tells us: All things work together for good for those who love God.”

Bishop Onah, who lauded Ugwuanyi for entrusting Enugu State to the hands of God during his eight-year tenure, said that the former governor’s accomplishments in public office are testaments to God’s provident hands that have lovingly guided him all along.

Bishop Onah also applauded him for “all the good you did for the people of Enugu State in general, and for the people of Nsukka in particular.”

He added that Ugwuanyi recorded milestone achievements “in the areas of security, road networks, health, education, sports, job opportunities, support for the church (all denominations) as well as other religious bodies and above all, your humanity and availability.”

Also present were Bishop Callistus Onaga of Catholic Diocese of Enugu and Bishop John Ifeanyichukwu Okoye of Catholic Diocese of Awgu.