![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")
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has stated that his decision to embrace what critics call “weakness” was motivated by the necessity for peace and survival, dedicating his Man of the Year award to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
On Friday, while accepting his honor at the New Telegraph Honor/Dinner Night in Lagos, Fubara gave an emotional speech about leadership, political pressure, and reconciliation.
“Today for me is a very special day, and also special for everyone who has believed in me, and I know for believing in me, you have a share of special pain,” the governor said.
Addressing the long-standing political tensions that have defined Rivers State’s government landscape, Fubara noted that his approach has frequently been misconstrued.
“Some of these pains, some persons describe them as weakness, while others say it is being strong, but I choose for a lot of reasons to be weak. Weak, because I want peace.
“Weak, because we need to survive. Weak, because I need to also protect those things that are dear, not just to me, but to our dear nation,” he said.
In a statement likely to stir political conversations, the governor added, “Weakness is a virtue. It pays at the right time.”
Fubara thanked his family and the people of Rivers State for their patience and maturity during months of political uncertainty.
“To the wonderful people of Rivers State that have shown support, shown quietness, and shown maturity that has brought us this far,” he said.
He then dedicated the medal, both directly and symbolically, to Wike, his predecessor and political benefactor.
“I do not care how you interpret it or misinterpret it; I also dedicate this award to somebody who also discovered me, not minding the situation, the Honourable Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike.
“He discovered me, and it is the discovery that gave me this loudness,” Fubara stated.
The governor’s statements come amid recent hints of reducing tensions between the two leaders following President Bola Tinubu’s mediation.
Chronicle NG reports that the rivalry between Wike and Fubara showed indications of softening after what was described as a “final” intervention by the President at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Wike, speaking after reviewing projects in Abuja, expressed hope about the reconciliation process, stating, “By God’s help, this will be the last time.
“All I can tell you is that Mr. President has been very kind to the people of the state. If there seems to be a problem between the legislature and the governor, as a father, he really has to intervene.”
Fubara had also openly acknowledged Wike’s involvement during the Port Harcourt Ring Road project inspection, referring to the minister as “My Oga” and crediting him with the initiative’s conception.
The political struggle between the two leaders, which began shortly after Fubara took office in May 2023, has resulted in severe divides within the Rivers State House of Assembly, impeachment threats, and months of governance uncertainty.
Recent developments, however, indicate a shift toward stabilization, including the governor’s reported submission of a new list of commissioner nominees to the Assembly as part of ongoing reconciliation efforts.
![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")
