The Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Owerri Municipal Council, Hon. Ofoma Desmond,
has debunked the rumours swirling around the recent events that took place at Assumpter Cathedral.
Rumours making the rounds claimed that El Rufia was whisked away during the Odenigbo Annual Lecture at the Assumpta Cathedral Owerri due to unrest.
Ofoma, categorically dispel the rumors regarding El Rufia’s exit from the Assumpta Cathedral, saying that there was no chaos that necessitated his departure, rather, it was a planned exit to accommodate his busy schedule during his visit to Imo state.
He explained that Mallam El Rufia left the venue to attend other engagements and later returned back to Assumpta Cathedral where he had a round table discussions with Bishop Lucius
His thoughts traveled back to the essence of El Rufia’s visit to Imo. The two-day event had culminated in a powerful lecture on Active leadership and followership.
A lecture he delivered at the SDP Political Conference Summit that took place at the Vanessa Hotels Owerri on the 5th of Sept 2025, which had resonated deeply with many in attendance.
“As the chairman of the SDP in Owerri municipal, I cannot sit idly by and watch our youth fall prey to the whims of politicians who use them as mere tools for thuggery. We must educate and empower our young people to be active participants in their own futures, leaders, not pawns in a political game.
“Our youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow, they are the change makers of today. I urge them to channel their passion into constructive avenues.
“SDP will provide platforms for their voices to be heard, not silenced by the thuggery that some politicians might encourage.
“Let us not allow ourselves to be divided or diminished. The SDP stands firmly with our youth, inspiring a new generation to reclaim their destinies. Together, we can foster a political landscape that values integrity over chaos”.
Ofoma therefore urged Imo Youth to rise, unite, and forge a future free from manipulation.
