The doors of Unity Chapel, Government House, Umuahia creaked open to admit worshippers Saturday for the first time since Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu assumed office on May 29, 2015, as governor of Abia state

The Unity Chapel, is a Christian worship centre inside Government House, Umuahia.

As part of efforts to survive the plot by Dr Uche Sampson Ogah to takeover as the new helmsman in Abia following the Abuja Court ruling in his favour, Ikpeazu has been glued to Government House, Umuahia.

Since coming to office, he has been largely operating from the Government Lodge in Aba since his residential Lodge inside Government House, Umuahia is still undergoing renovation.

But since the Ogah scare, which Ikpeazu described as a temporary setback and an illegality that cannot stand, the governor has been operating from the seat of power in Umuahia. Many see this as a temporary strategy to squarely fight-off the Ogah challenge.

Aside from staying in Umuahia, the governor Saturday held a special Church service in the Unity Chapel, being a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Churh.

The guest preacher who is also the President of Eastern Nigeria Conference of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Pastor Bassey Udoh, urged leaders to put their trust in God during the period of trials

The church service was attended by the wife of the governor, Nkechi; the Deputy Governor, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu and his wife and many other top government functionaries.

Meanwhile, Abia State government has announced a total ban on demonstrations or illegal procession in the state. A statement by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Comrade Bonnie Iwuoha, late Saturday said the ban was with immediate effect and directed the Police to promptly arrest any persons who violate the ban and prosecut them. The Commissioner also enjoined residents in the state to report suspicious movements to security agents.

•Photo shows, L-R; Lady Vivian Ude Oko Chukwu, wife of Abia State Deputy Governor; Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, D/Gov; Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu and his wife Nkechi during a Church Service at Unity Chapel, Government House Umuahia, on Friday. Photo: Ibeabuchi Abarikwu.

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