There was a heavy outburst of emotions on Sunday at the Synod of the Diocese of Nsukka Anglican Communion when the deputy governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State, Chijioke Ugwu, asked the gathering to pray for the souls of people who died after the Enugu State Government demolished Ogige Market in Nsukka.

Ugwu, who represented the party’s governorship candidate, Uche Nnaji, appealed for prayers for the peaceful repose of those who died and for strength for the survivors.

The market demolition, carried out without compensation to the former occupants, remains a sore point in the relationship between Governor Peter Mbah and the Nsukka cultural zone. Anger has persisted, especially after a motor park and a petrol station were built in its place.

It is claimed that more than 72 former shop owners in the demolished market have died as a result of the hardship and frustrations they faced after losing their sources of livelihood. The claim reflects the deep sense of loss still felt in the community years after the demolition.

Ugwu also appealed to the government to improve the quality of its projects for the future safety of children.

“The Smart schools they are building are collapsing every day because of poor-quality work. The roads are terrible. Nsukka during the rainy season is a terrible sight, and we cannot continue like this,” he said.

He further called on the church to pray for a re-examination of the cost of governance in the state, noting that ₦50 billion was budgeted to rehabilitate the Presidential Hotel while work was still ongoing.

The Synod was also attended by the Enugu State Deputy Governor, Ifeanyi Ossai, who called for a debate among political aspirants on the quality of the Mbah administration and sought the people’s support.

Other political leaders present included Chidi Mark Obeta, a member of the House of Representatives, and the deputy governorship candidate of the NDC, Frank Okenwa Omeje.

Uche Nnaji later donated ₦2 million to the Synod and pledged that his government, if elected, would invest in improving the platform and create a liaison office for smooth engagement, with plans to make the Synod a more robust forum for discussions on the welfare of the poor and vulnerable.