![Rev. Fr. Anthony Odiong, a US-based Nigerian Louisiana Catholic priest, was arrested in Florida on Tuesday for possessing child pornography, according to law authorities. The suspect is reportedly accused of many other cases of sexual assault. The Waco, Texas, Police Department announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday that officers detained Father Anthony Odiong in Ave Maria, Florida, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Waco police announced in March that they had received "credible information" about a sexual assault allegedly committed by Odiong in Texas in 2012. “During the subsequent investigation, a case of possession of child pornography was uncovered,” the police said. The priest was apprehended in Florida by the Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force. The Waco Police Department said that he will be extradited to Texas. Odiong had previously served in the Archdiocese of New Orleans before being removed as priest in December of last year due to controversy over homilies in which he claimed, among other things, that the Catholic Church was being taken over by "the gays." At the time, the priest was also accused of abusive behaviour; a Louisiana lady claimed in U.S. bankruptcy court that Odiong had committed both financial and sexual abuse against her. Prior to joining the New Orleans Archdiocese, Odiong served in at least two Texas parishes. On Tuesday, Waco police stated that during their sexual assault investigation, "the presence of other survivors was revealed." “Multiple women have come forward to tell similar experiences as the sexual assault survivor who reported the initial allegation,” the police department said. “Survivors’ experiences ranged from sexual assault and indecent assault, more commonly recognised as groping, and financial abuse, with some survivors experiencing every element of Anthony Odiong’s manipulation.” The police said they “believe there may be more survivors, and we wish to speak with anyone who [has] had similar encounters” with the priest. The Archdiocese of New Orleans issued a brief news release on Tuesday noting Odiong's arrest in Florida. The archdiocese “encourages anyone with any information to contact law enforcement,” the release said.](https://chronicle.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ezgif-6-4730550ede-300x200.jpg "Odiong: US-based Nigerian Catholic priest convicted over sexual assault")
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar supports the removal of acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum.
According to reports, Atiku reached out to members of the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) advocating for Damagum’s removal.
This move has divided the 13 state governors elected on the PDP platform. Seven governors, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, are pushing for Damagum’s removal.
Before last year’s general elections, Atiku and Wike broke out, with Wike spearheading five PDP governors in opposition to Atiku’s presidential ambition.
A senior member of the PDP NWC, who sought anonymity owing to a lack of permission to speak publicly, acknowledged that the former Vice President had contacted some of the anti-Damagum forces and other party stakeholders.
The source stated, “We are not alone; important leaders in the party, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, have spoken with some of us.”
Since taking over as acting National Chairman of the PDP following the dismissal of Iyorchia Ayu, stakeholders have criticised Damagum for failing to enact necessary reforms to revitalise the party.
Tensions rose when Damagum’s NWC shifted authority of the Rivers State PDP structure to Wike rather than Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
This action enraged the PDP Governors’ Forum, which maintained that a state governor has the authority to serve as the state’s party head.
When asked what Atiku told the anti-Damagum NWC members, the insider responded, “I can confirm that Atiku has spoken with some of us. He assured us that we are not alone and that he supports our pursuit of justice, fairness, and equity.
“He encouraged us to stay motivated and continue advocating for the PDP Constitution to be followed in the NWC’s daily decisions. He understands our reasons for wanting Damagum removed and did not disagree.
“We have no personal issues with Damagum; our goal is to protect the party so that Nigerians have an alternative in future elections. Damagum should honour the party’s constitution and traditions, step back to his original role as Deputy National Chairman (North), and allow the North Central to nominate a replacement promptly.”
Another source close to Atiku indicated that the former Vice President wants Damagum replaced in accordance with the PDP’s Constitution.
“Atiku is collaborating with NWC members and other dedicated party leaders to ensure that the right actions are taken to uphold the party’s constitution,” the source stated.
Speaking on whether Atiku wants Damagum removed, the source explained, “It’s not about Damagum; the former Vice President is focused on democracy and the PDP. Atiku prefers to work discreetly to repair what has been damaged.”
All attempts to contact Atiku’s media adviser, Paul Ibe, for a reaction were futile because he did not answer phones or respond to mail.
However, Timothy Osadolor, a PDP NEC member and Deputy National Youth Leader, has urged party leaders to put aside their disagreements, avoid verbal clashes, and refer any issues to the relevant committees.
In an exclusive interview with The Punch, Osadolor expressed trust in the reconciliation and disciplinary committees, encouraging all stakeholders to allow them to work tirelessly without interruption.
Osadolor said, “The NEC approved the establishment of reconciliation and disciplinary committees. These committees have been inaugurated and are currently working.
“I know that all is not well with the party, but I have faith in Ikimi’s committee and the reconciliation committee. Members with genuine issues should reach out to these committees and avoid actions that may distract them. We must refrain from public verbal attacks and allow the committees to do their work.”
![Rev. Fr. Anthony Odiong, a US-based Nigerian Louisiana Catholic priest, was arrested in Florida on Tuesday for possessing child pornography, according to law authorities. The suspect is reportedly accused of many other cases of sexual assault. The Waco, Texas, Police Department announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday that officers detained Father Anthony Odiong in Ave Maria, Florida, with assistance from the United States Marshals Service. Waco police announced in March that they had received "credible information" about a sexual assault allegedly committed by Odiong in Texas in 2012. “During the subsequent investigation, a case of possession of child pornography was uncovered,” the police said. The priest was apprehended in Florida by the Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force. The Waco Police Department said that he will be extradited to Texas. Odiong had previously served in the Archdiocese of New Orleans before being removed as priest in December of last year due to controversy over homilies in which he claimed, among other things, that the Catholic Church was being taken over by "the gays." At the time, the priest was also accused of abusive behaviour; a Louisiana lady claimed in U.S. bankruptcy court that Odiong had committed both financial and sexual abuse against her. Prior to joining the New Orleans Archdiocese, Odiong served in at least two Texas parishes. On Tuesday, Waco police stated that during their sexual assault investigation, "the presence of other survivors was revealed." “Multiple women have come forward to tell similar experiences as the sexual assault survivor who reported the initial allegation,” the police department said. “Survivors’ experiences ranged from sexual assault and indecent assault, more commonly recognised as groping, and financial abuse, with some survivors experiencing every element of Anthony Odiong’s manipulation.” The police said they “believe there may be more survivors, and we wish to speak with anyone who [has] had similar encounters” with the priest. The Archdiocese of New Orleans issued a brief news release on Tuesday noting Odiong's arrest in Florida. The archdiocese “encourages anyone with any information to contact law enforcement,” the release said.](https://chronicle.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ezgif-6-4730550ede-450x300.jpg "Odiong: US-based Nigerian Catholic priest convicted over sexual assault")
