A young priest assigned to Saint Christopher’s Parish Wannune by the Bishop of Gboko Diocese, His Lordship William Amove Avenya, was delivering his sermon at the mass to mark Senator George Akume’s 64th birthday anniversary, one of the things he said was that the celebrant must give quality advice to Governor Samuel Ortom on statecraft including the issues of salaries being owed civil servants, pensioners and temporary staff, otherwise he too would get part of the blame.
After Holy Communion, and before the end of mass, the Parish Priest requested Senator Akume to make his remarks.
Senator Akume, in his remarks touched on a few issues including some explanation on the salary matter and requested that Governor Ortom be allowed to also make a brief remark.
Governor took the microphone and started with greetings the Parish Priest came from behind and announced that he was not allowed to speak.
Ortom who was as surprised as the congregation asked the priest what he said and he repeated that the Governor was not allowed to speak in the church.
The Governor then handed over the microphone to the priest and went back to his seat. There was an uproar from the congregation most of whom obviously disapproved of the remark made by the priest.
After a few minutes the church which was filled to capacity almost became empty as majority of those inside including notable knights and the lay faithful left in protest leaving the choir, and a few dignitaries including Senator Akume, his wife Regina, and Governor Ortom.
The priest quickly brought the mass to an end and as he was leaving, he passed by the dignitaries and stated that the Bishop of the Diocese gave the directive not to allow the Governor to talk in the church.
When later asked about the ugly development in the Church, Governor Ortom said he complied with the order of the Bishop and would not wish to join issues with the clergy.
Senator Akume in his remark, outrightly condemned the ban pointing out that the Governor deserved respect as Chief Executive who had the right to speak with his people even in church as has been the custom with all the Governors of the state.


http://scannewsnigeria.com/news/governor-ortom-banned-from-making-speech-at-st-christophers-parish-wanunne-akumes-home-parish-today/

Ok

Ortom is the first Pentecostal governor of the state.