Ihuoma Chiedozie, Enugu
Barely 24 hours after he defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressive Congress, former governor of the old Anambra State, Chief Jim Nwobodo, wedded in the Catholic church.
The former information minister, who was equally a presidential aspirant and senator under the PDP, tied nuptial knots with his wife, Patricia, at the Catholic Bishop’s Court, in Enugu.
The wedding was officiated by the Bishop of Enugu Catholic Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Callistus Onaga.
Interestingly, Nwobodo had wedded Patricia in the Anglican church several years ago.
The politician had to perform another wedding in the Catholic church, having converted to the faith after dumping the Anglican communion.
The Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, of the PDP, was the sponsor of the wedding.
Our correspondent gathered that the governor had already agreed to be the sponsor of the marriage before Nwobodo defected from the PDP to the APC on Friday.
It was not clear whether Ugwuanyi had any idea that Nwobodo was defecting to the APC, but one of the governor’s close aides had expressed shock when he learnt of the development.
The tradition of the Catholic church required that a devout, married faithful should stand as sponsor in an intending couple’s wedding.
In his brief remarks at the event, Ugwuanyi thanked God for the successful wedding, and prayed that the union of the Nwobodos grew from strength to strength.
Delivering the sermon during the church service, Rev. Fr. Peter Damian Akpunonu noted that, as the governor of the old Anambra State, and while still a member of the Anglican church, Nwobodo had maintained a good relationship with the Catholic church.
The priest further noted that Nwobodo’s decision to convert to the Catholic faith shows that he must have been impressed in his close association with the Catholic church.
Akpunonu commended Nwobodo for having the courage to convert to the Catholic faith.
Speaking at the event, Nwobodo said he is now a fulfilled man, having joined the Catholic church.
He described the development as a spiritual “home coming”.
The former PDP member, now arguably the most prominent member of the APC in Enugu State, said he would remain in the Catholic church.
According to him, he trusted and believed in the doctrines of the Catholic church.
