Following the resignation of Most Rev Peter Okpaleke as the Bishop of Ahiara Diocese, as a result of the crisis that has lingered for nearly six years in that diocese, His Holiness Pope Francis has appointed Most Rev Lucius Ugorji, the Bishop of Umuahia as the Apostolic Administrator of Ahiara Diocese. According to Rev. Fr. Chris N Anyanwu, Director of Social Communications, Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, the announcement of the appointment was made on 19 February and was to take immediate effect.