Chukwuma Soludo, the governor of Anambra state, has stated that well-known Pastor Chukwuemeka Ohanaemere, commonly known as Odumeje, will cover the expense of tearing down both his church and any other properties that need to be razed.

On Friday, July 8, the governor delivered this Soludo in the state capital of Awka. He said that notices had been sent on all homeowners whose homes had been designated for demolition and that they had been ordered to remove the buildings in question.

Two parishes of the Catholic church, according to Soludo, are currently awaiting demolition.

“It is costing us money. They had several notices to remove such structures, but they refused. The demolition started yesterday (Thursday), and so far so good. The demolition went well, except for Pastor Odumeje, who according to the report drove in, in a brazen manner and attempted to take over the equipment.

Of course, state work must go on, and security had to stop him. This was a man who was in several meetings we had, and also spoke. Infact, this is costing us money, and the structures should have been removed before now, but they choose to test the resolve of government.

Once we are done with this exercise, we will compile the bills and send to the persons involved, and they must pay.”

The governor also mentioned that two Catholic parishes that are also to be demolished are St Dominic Catholic church and Our Lady Queen Catholic church.

He stated that the parish priest of Our Lady Queen Catholic Parish was around when the demolition team visited, and even cooperated, and also granted an interview.

He regretted that Pastor Odumeje took laws into his hands and attempted to stop the exercise.

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