Former presidential candidate and chieftain of the NDC, Peter Obi, received a warm and striking reception at the requiem Mass for Bishop Chukwu of Abakaliki, where the atmosphere was otherwise deeply solemn.
The service, marked by strict ecclesiastical protocol and mourning, drew eight archbishops and 42 bishops alongside other dignitaries.
During the vote of thanks, the priest calmly acknowledged attendees in line with tradition, with no applause or outward display of emotion from the congregation.
However, the mood shifted noticeably when Peter Obi’s name was mentioned.
It was gathered that the congregation erupted into spontaneous applause, breaking the silence of mourning with visible excitement.
For a brief moment, the sombre atmosphere gave way to a wave of emotion that many described as reflective of admiration and hope.
