Imo state governor, Rochas Okorocha on Thursday, March 29, vowed that the Imo Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Diocese, Archbishop Anthony Obinna will fail in his alleged plot to install a governor on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the state in 2019.
Okorocha noted that since the cleric could not succeed in his attempt to make APGA win the governorship election in 2015, he will still loose in 2019 and subsequent attempts.
He also dismissed the Archbishops allegations against his administration as unfounded and malicious.
Archbishop Obinna, a critic of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Okorocha’s administration, had accused the governor of highhandedness and clampdown on political opponents.
The cleric had also at different occasions preached his preference for APGA as against the governor’s political party, All Progressives Congress (APC).
However, the chief press secretary to the governor, Sam Onwuemeodo in a reaction to the Archbishop’s latest attack against the Imo governor, stated the cleric’s accusations are far from the truth.
The statement read: “We have read the latest accusation by Archbishop Anthony Obinna of the Catholic Diocese of Owerri against Governor Okorocha, and we shall continue to show our respect for the archbishop, but, one fact remains sacrosanct, he cannot install a governor of APGA extraction in 2019, because he could not do that in 2015 when he first tried it.
“The archbishop had hidden under his Easter message to continue his onslaught on the governor and his Rescue Mission Government, making it the tenth time in less than two months he had descended on the governor and the administration.
“Of all the allegations the archbishop made against the governor, the most unfortunate was the one he said Governor Okorocha is the only voice which everyone has to listen to and obey, otherwise, arrests and imprisonments would follow. That was the height of blackmail.
“And we humbly wish to challenge the archbishop to mention just one person the governor or government arrested for any reason, including criticising him or anybody, since he came on board as governor in 2011.
“Where the archbishop fails to do this, we ask with every sense of politeness, that he corrects that false claim, and, if he deems it worth-doing, apologise to the governor.
“The overwhelming love of Imo people for the governor means more to us than the weak voice of the opposition in the state made up of few politicians.
“And the archbishop should know that most people have become fed up with his repeated unprovoked and unwarranted attacks on the governor and his government, using every platform and every event available to him.”
“We do not think that the Archbishop should be doing that for the benefit of a particular Political Party or certain Politicians. Our happiness is that majority of the members of his Diocese do not share the same views with him”.
Meanwhile.Governor Okorocha had allegedly concluded arrangements to arm twist Imo state lawmakers into endorsing his son-in-law.
The governor reportedly used some tactics to ensure that his son-in-law and chief of staff staff, Uche Nwosu, emerges as his successor.
Okorocha was allegedly furious that twenty lawmakers who had purportedly endorsed Nwosu for governor come 2019, turned round to deny the claim.
Prince Harry - the world's most eligible bachelor - and Hollywood starlet Meghan Markle are getting married.
Hundreds will attend. Millions will watch. The event will go down in history.
Image:Prince Harry and Meghan announced their engagement to the public in November
The couple say they want it to be "a big shared event" that is "modern, inclusive but still adhering to tradition", and they want "everyone" to be part of their big day.
So what can we expect from the Royal wedding?
When?
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will get married on Saturday 19 May, at noon.
Image:Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby will marry the couple
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby - who baptised Meghan in March - will officiate the service.
It will be televised from start to finish and will be followed by a carriage procession starting at 1pm and lasting for about half an hour.
Video:When Harry met Meghan
The main part of the parade will pass along The Long Walk - a two-and-a-half mile (4km) path that links Windsor Castle with Snow Hill in Windsor Great Park.
On Sunday, the flower-filled chapel will be open to the public.
Image:We don't know if Prince William will make it to the FA Cup this year
However, fans of both football and the royals can rest easy as a clash is highly unlikely - recent cup finals have kicked off at 5.30pm and the wedding ceremony is taking place five-and-a-half hours before.
As president of the Football Association, Prince William usually attends the FA Cup final, but it is not known if he will be able to attend this year.
William has even joked about whether or not he would be able to make it to the stadium in time to present the trophy.
Bank holiday
Members of the Royal Family normally get married in the week, but as Prince Harry and Meghan are getting married on a Saturday, there won't be a bank holiday.
Image:The Diamond Jubilee in June 2012 was a bank holiday
Pubs, bars and other licensed premises will be allowed to keep serving until 1am, instead of the usual 11pm, on the nights of Friday 18 May and the following night, after the wedding.
Where?
The couple will tie the knot on the High Altar of St George's Chapel, a 15th Century church on the grounds of Windsor Castle.
Image:The pair sought the Queen's permission to wed in George's Chapel
One of the first things they will hear as a married couple will be a fanfare from 20 silver-plated trumpets.
After the service, Prince Harry and Meghan will leave the chapel through the west entrance and embark on a carriage parade through the town.
Image:They make their vows on the on the High Altar of St George’s Chapel
The steps of the chapel will be lined by members of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, and members of the Queen's Guard Windsor Castle will line the streets within Windsor Castle.
Image:There was a heavy police presence for the wedding of Prince William and Kate
Measures will include barriers to prevent vehicle attacks, armed police patrols and airport-style security searches.
Police dogs, mounted police and the National Police Air Service will all be used in the run up to the wedding, and on the day itself visitors may be stopped and checked and British Transport Police will be patrolling train stations and carriages.
Thames Valley, British Transport Police, the Metropolitan Police and Surrey Police will all be involved in policing the event.
Guests
Unlike the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, which was held in Westminster Cathedral with 3,000 guests, this will be a much more intimate event.
Image:Palace aides have said the wedding will be a moment of 'fun and joy'
The guest list will include 1,200 young people and others who have served their communities and shown strong leadership, 200 people from charities and organisations that the couple have a close association with, and 100 pupils from two local schools.
The couple have asked that people be chosen from a broad range of backgrounds and ages.
Windsor Castle community members and members of the Royal households and Crown Estate have also been invited.
Who's in?
This is a closely guarded secret, and Kensington Palace has issued no formal guestlist to the press or public.
Image:Queen Elizabeth II has given her formal approval to Harry and Meghan
Image:US President Donald Trump said he hadn't heard about an invite
A past critic of the American President, Meghan Markle formerly called him "divisive" and a "misogynist".
When asked at the beginning of the year by Piers Morgan whether he had received an invite Mr Trump said, "not that I know of".
In an uncharacteristically gracious tone Mr Trump went on: "I want them to be happy. I really want them to be happy. They look like a lovely couple."
:: Estranged members of Meghan's family
An only child, Meghan has two half-siblings on her father Thomas Markle's side.
Video:Royal wedding: Meet the Markles
Her extended family also includes a host of members from whom she appears to be estranged.
While her mother - Doria Ragland - and father are both expected to be at the ceremony, it is not known how many other members of Meghan's extended family will be present (see Meghan's family)
Image:Meghan's half-sister Samantha Markle
Meghan's half-sister, Samantha Markle, who is penning a tell-all book on the family entitled The Diary of Princess Pushy's sister, looks like she may have written herself out on an invite.
It remains to be seen how many of Meghan's family make it to the ceremony, but one thing is for certain - Prince Harry's family is set to outnumber the Markle clan to a massive degree.
:: The ex-husband
Meghan's ex-husband, Hollywood film producer Trevor Engelson, is also unlikely to be there.
Image:Trevor Engelson was married to Meghan for two years
The couple divorced in 2013 after two years of marriage citing "irreconcilable differences".
New Royal baby
Prince William and Kate are expecting their third child in April 2018, just one month before the wedding.
Image:Kate will give birth to the Royal baby in April - the month before the wedding
He or she will knock their uncle - Prince Harry - off his spot as fifth in line to the throne, pushing him down the pecking order to number six.
It is not known if the newest edition to the Royal Family, who will be just weeks old, will be attending the wedding.
Celebrities
The fact that Meghan is an actress means there will be plenty of showbiz faces to spot during the day.
Image:Sarah Rafferty is one of Meghan's closest friends on the set of Suits
For starters, a fair few of the Suits cast could be there including Meghan's co-stars Patrick J Adams, Gabriel Macht and Sarah Rafferty.
Tennis star Serena Williams, singer-songwriter Elton John and former footballer David Beckham are all likely to be present.
Image:The Spice Girls are rumoured to have received an invite
Rumour has it that the Spice Girls - Victoria Beckham, Geri Horner, Emma Bunton, Mel B and Melanie Chisholm - may all have received invites to the wedding.
Additionally, Millie Mackintosh, of Made In Chelsea fame, may well be there, with the pair previously having spent time together at an Oxfordshire spa and Millie rumoured to have been invited to Meghan's top secret hen do.
Meghan's family
Meghan's parents, who divorced when she was six, are expected to be at the wedding.
Meghan's mum, Doria Ragland, 61, is a yoga teacher and social worker who lives in California.
Image:Meghan with her mother Doria Ragland
Meghan's dad, Thomas Markle, 73, a retired TV lighting director now lives in a seaside town in Mexico.
It is possible that Meghan's half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr, could also be part of the congregation.
It is less likely that her half-sister Samantha Markle will be there (see Who's out).
Image:Meghan with her father Thomas Markle
However, Ashleigh - Samantha's daughter - who is estranged from her mother and said to be on good terms with Meghan, could be on the guest list.
Meghan's uncle on her mother's side, graphic designer Joffrey Ragland, 34, may well be in attendance.
It is unlikely that Meghan's pet beagle Guy, who moved from Toronto to London with her, will be coming along to help the couple celebrate, although he could rock up at the evening reception.
Video:Meghan: Campaigner and Trump critic
Dress code
The dress code for guests attending the ceremony is uniform, morning coat or lounge suit, or a day dress with a hat.
Best man
Officially there is no such thing as a best man at a Royal wedding, which instead uses the term "supporters".
Image:Will Prince William 'support' his little brother?
However, William will most likely be Harry's "supporter", as Harry was his for his big brother's wedding in 2011.
But it seems Harry has not rushed to ask his big brother to help him out on his big day.
Video:Prince Harry has not asked William to be his best man... yet
When asked about the possibility of being best man or supporter in January, William responded: "He hasn't asked me yet… So, it could be a sensitive issue."
Bridesmaids
Some of Meghan Markle's celebrity best friends are being touted as possible bridesmaids - among them tennis ace Serena Williams, actress and UNICEF ambassador Priyanka Chopra and British reality TV star Millie Mackintosh.
Image:Maid of honour Pippa Middleton leads the flower girls and page boys down the aisle
But while one of her pals may be chosen as maid of honour, none of them are likely to make the cut as Meghan's bridesmaid.
This is because unless Prince Harry and Meghan break with tradition, the precedent is to have children as attendants.
The flower girls are likely to be chosen from the children of the Royal Family - Princess Charlotte, who will be three by the time of the wedding, the children of Prince Harry's cousins Mia Tindall, three, Isla Phillips, five, and Savanna Phillips, seven, are among the most likely to be picked.
Image:William and Kate with their bridesmaids and pageboys on the day of their wedding
Children of some of Meghan's closest pals - including the daughter of stylist Jessica Mulroney Ivy Mulroney, four, and brand curator Benita Litt's two little daughters who Meghan has called her "fairy god-daughters" - may also be contenders.
In the offing to be page boys are third in line to the throne Prince George, four, and Jessica Mulroney's twin boys Brian and John, both seven.
Image:Flower girl Grace van Cutsem is not a fan of Royal weddings
While it is likely that Grace van Cutsem - the frowning flower girl at Prince William and Kate's wedding - will be at the wedding, she is unlikely to be a flower girl this time, despite her scene-stealing performance on the Buckingham Palace balcony during Will and Kate's first kiss.
Something borrowed
There are rumours that Meghan may wear the same tiara Princess Diana wore on her wedding day to Prince Charles.
Image:Princess Diana wearing the Spencer tiara in Australia in 1983
Known as the Spencer Tiara, it has not been worn in public since Diana's death.
Meghan's engagement ring is also made out of diamonds made from a bracelet which belonged to Princess Diana (see The Ring).
The dress
This is top secret, with much speculation over whether Meghan will go traditional, or step out in something with a more modern twist.
Image:Meghan in white at Westminster Abbey in March
Her stylist bestie Jessica Mulroney is said to have assisted her in picking a designer.
Designers in the frame include Erdem, Ralph & Russo, Roland Mouret, Inbal Dror and Jenny Packham.
Alexander McQueen - who designed Kate Middleton's lace wedding dress - is also a frontrunner.
Another stylist friend, Misha Nonoo, is also rumoured to be creating something bespoke for Meghan to wear at the evening reception.
Video:The Pledge: Can Meghan survive 'The Firm'?
Talking about her character in Suits, ahead of her engagement to Prince Harry, Meghan told Glamour magazine: "I personally prefer wedding dresses that are whimsical or subtly romantic."
Meghan also said that she loved a "low, ballerina inspired neckline".
Her first wedding dress - for her marriage to Trevor Engelson in 2011 - was a white, floor-length strapless gown with a sparkling embellished belt to add a touch of colour.
As a former soldier, Prince Harry - who is now Captain General of Royal Marines - may be in uniform for the ceremony.
Down the aisle
There has been much speculation over whether Meghan's father - Thomas Markle - will be walking her down the aisle or not.
Some reports have said Meghan is worried about how her dad, who is said to value his privacy and keep out of the limelight, would handle the pressure.
Image:Will Thomas Markle walk his daughter down the aisle?
Other reports say the 73-year-old is "excited" and looking forward to the big day.
But if it's not Meghan's dad who takes the honour - who could it be?
Some reports have suggested Meghan might break with tradition and ask her mother Doria to walk her down the aisle.
Another unorthodox move - and one that seems more likely - is that Prince William could step in to walk Meghan down the aisle - as an extension of his possible best man duties.
The rings
Meghan's wedding ring will most likely be Welsh gold - a tradition the Royal Family have held since 1923.
Image:Meghan Markle shows off her engagement ring
It is not known whether Harry will choose to wear a ring or not - his brother Prince William shunned a ring, while his father Prince Charles wears a gold band.
Meghan's all-diamond, yellow gold engagement ring was designed by Prince Harry.
The large central diamond was sourced from Botswana - a country the couple have twice visited together - and the two smaller side stones have been taken from a £100,000 ($140,000) diamond bracelet that belonged to Princess Diana.
Video:Diana would be 'over the moon, so excited'
Prince Harry said the inclusion of his mother's stones was "to make sure that she's with us on this crazy journey together".
The engagement ring is estimated to be worth upwards of £35,000 ($50,000).
Royal kiss
The eagerly awaited first public kiss from the married couple will take place after the ceremony but before the carriage parade.
Image:Charles and Diana kiss on the balcony of Buckingham Palace
One of the defining moments of the wedding, it is likely to take place on the west steps of St George's Chapel.
Prince William and Kate had their first kiss, following their wedding in Westminster Abbey, on the balcony at Buckingham Palace, mirroring the kiss of Prince Charles and Diana after their wedding in St Paul's Cathedral.
Carriage parade
After the service, the couple will embark on a two-mile parade through the castle grounds, along a route from St George's chapel, leaving the grounds through Castle Hill and continuing along the High Street and Windsor town. They will then return to the castle along The Long Walk.
Image:The annual Order of The Garter Service at St George's Chapel
The inspiration for the procession is believed to have come from the wedding of Prince Edward and the Countess of Wessex who got married at St George's chapel in 1999.
The reception
The wedding will be followed by two receptions.
Image:The interior of St George's Hall where the first reception will be held
The first, which is being hosted by the Queen, will be a lunch for the 600 people who attended the wedding ceremony and will be held at St George's Great Hall.
Later that evening, the second reception, hosted by Prince Charles, will be held in the grounds of Frogmore House.
Image:The second reception will be held in Frogmore House
The venue near Windsor Castle was also the location for the couple's engagement photos.
Musical acts performing at the reception have yet to be confirmed, but they will no doubt be star names.
Image:An official engagement shot taken in the Frogmore House gardens. Pic: Alexi Lubomirski
Ed Sheeran, The Spice Girls, James Blunt and Ellie Goulding are all potential candidates.
The cake
The Royal wedding cake will be lemon and elderflower flavour, covered in buttercream and decorated with fresh flowers.
Image:Pastry chef Claire Ptak will make the couple's wedding cake
Prince Harry and Meghan wanted the cake to incorporate the "bright flavours of spring" for their May wedding.
It will be made by American pastry chef Claire Ptak, who runs Violet Cakes in Hackney - an organic hipster bakery in east London.
The price of the cake is unknown, with the bakery website stating that "wedding cakes are priced on request".
The honeymoon
No location has been confirmed, but if tradition is anything to go by, these three locations are in with a good chance:
:: Botswana, Africa
Just a few weeks into their relationship Prince Harry and Meghan "camped out with each other under the stars" here.
Image:Prince Harry and Prince William visit Botswana in 2015
The couple returned for Meghan's 36th birthday later that year.
Prince Harry, who visited Botswana with Prince William and Prince Charles shortly after Diana's death, has called the South African country his "second home".
:: Seychelles
Image:Prince William and Kate honeymooned in the Seychelles
Prince William and Kate spent their honeymoon here, enjoying 10 days of sun, sand and local wildlife.
Kate and Wills rented the secluded private North Island to avoid the frenzied media speculation around their vacation.
:: Broadlands, Hampshire
Image:Broadlands, Hampshire, is a Royal honeymoon favourite
This 18th century English country house is a favourite honeymoon destination for the royals, enjoyed by the Queen and Prince Philip after their wedding in 1947, and Prince Charles in 1981 after his wedding to Diana.
Prince Charles returned in 2005 with his second wife, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.
Meghan is said to be paying for the honeymoon as a gift to Harry.
Royal titles
Despite marrying Prince Harry, Meghan will not become Princess Meghan. For that title she would have had to be born into the Royal family.
If Prince Harry retains his current rank as His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales, Meghan will become HRH Princess Henry of Wales.
Video:Harry and Meghan's relationship - in their words
However, if Prince Harry is promoted to the vacant role of Duke of Sussex - as it is widely expected he will be - Meghan will become HRH Duchess of Sussex.
Other available titles are the Duke of Clarence and the Duke of Buckingham.
Memorabilia
The Royal Collection Trust has released an official Prince Harry and Meghan china collection which will be sold at the Queen's Gallery shop at Buckingham Palace.
Image:The choice of Royal wedding memorabilia is mind boggling
The blue and white china Royal wedding commemorative range which includes tea cups, coffee mugs, tankards, pillboxes and plates all decorated with the couple's initials painted in 22 carat gold.
Ceramics designer Emma Bridgwater has also created two bone china half-pint mugs at her Stoke-on-Trent factory to celebrate the wedding, one with the Royal crest and the other with the words "Game changers, Free Spirits, Big hearts and Well Suited".
Unofficial commemorative merchandise - of varying degrees of quality - are being sold across the world include tea-towels, dress-the-paper doll book and car bumper stickers.
What next?
Prince Harry previously told Sky News he was keen to settle down and start a family but said "there's a process that one has to go through".
Video:Prince Harry talks about settling down in 2015
Now that "process" has begun, bookies have begun taking bets on when Meghan and Harry will become proud parents, with the odds of a 2019 or 2020 Royal baby looking good.
When visiting Northern Ireland together in March, the pair met a husband and wife team who make baby products such as hypoallergenic Moses baskets and non-slip baths. Meghan joked "I'm sure at some point we'll need the whole lot."
Image:Harry and Meghan - the next chapter...
Watch this space…
:: Save the date: The Royal Wedding on Saturday 19 May on Sky News and Sky 1 HD
