Nkechinyere Ewa, Abakaliki
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for the Ebonyi Central Senatorial District in the 2027 general election, Professor Bernard Odoh, has cautioned his critics against using the memory of the late Catholic Bishop of Abakaliki Diocese, Most Rev. Peter Nworie Chukwu, for political attacks.
Odoh, who said the bishop’s death remains one of the greatest personal losses of his life, insisted that the late cleric’s memory should be honoured with truth, dignity and gratitude rather than being exploited for partisan politics.
He was reacting to allegations by supporters of his political opponents that he abandoned the late bishop during his illness and failed to attend his funeral.
In a statement, Odoh described Bishop Chukwu as an elder brother, spiritual father and trusted friend, stressing that he quietly supported the bishop during his illness without seeking publicity.
According to him, he made a substantial financial contribution towards the bishop’s treatment in Abuja and was among those who received his remains at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, after his death.
He explained that his absence from the funeral was due to a serious ankle injury, adding that his condition was communicated in advance to the Church authorities, including the Apostolic Administrator, Bishop Peter Obodo, Cardinal Peter Okpaleke and other priests.
“I did not deliberately stay away from Bishop Peter’s funeral. My absence was due to a serious ankle strain which made it impossible for me to attend. The Church was duly informed long before anyone attempted to turn it into a political narrative,” he said.
Odoh maintained that genuine love is demonstrated by standing with people when they are alive, sick and in need, not merely by attending funerals.
He also defended his longstanding commitment to the Catholic Church, saying his faith predates politics and has inspired years of quiet support for parishes, priests, seminarians, religious sisters, widows and students.
The senatorial hopeful disclosed that he had sponsored the full priestly formation of a Catholic priest and made significant contributions to the development of the Catholic University at Umuoghara.
He stressed that he only highlighted his charitable works because of allegations questioning his commitment to the Church, noting that Christian charity should never be a public performance.
“I will not allow the sacred memory of Bishop Peter Nworie Chukwu to become another casualty of partisan politics. Politics will come and go, but truth will remain,” Odoh stated.
Meanwhile, Odoh’s spokesman, Charles Otu, has described the NDC candidate as a visionary leader capable of delivering effective representation if elected to the Senate in 2027.
Speaking during a live programme, Inside Politics, on Legacy FM, Abakaliki, Otu said Odoh’s integrity and principled political career distinguished him from other contenders.
He argued that Odoh, who resigned as Secretary to the Ebonyi State Government on principle, had repeatedly subjected himself to scrutiny by anti-corruption agencies without any adverse findings.
Otu also dismissed claims that Odoh had a history of electoral failures, insisting he performed strongly in previous elections and remained widely supported across the Ezza nation.
He criticised the incumbent senator representing Ebonyi Central, Senator Ken Eze, alleging that the lawmaker had remained inaccessible to constituents and failed to make significant legislative impact.