A political commentator in Cross River State, Joseph Odok, has responded to criticisms circulating on social media regarding his past, defending his decision to leave the Roman Catholic seminary and marry.
Odok, reacting to comments attributed to a Facebook user, Beatrice Akpala, said he spent about 17 years in religious formation before deciding to pursue family life.
In a statement shared online, the university don said he underwent six years in a minor seminary and 11 years in a senior seminary before leaving the clerical path.
Odok who holds a Ph.D degree in philosophy and is a Barrister at law, stated that his decision to exit the seminary was personal, adding that he is now married with children and satisfied with the direction his life has taken.
Odok also dismissed allegations that he had been removed from several institutions, insisting that he had overcome previous challenges.
The commentator further alleged that certain political figures during the administration of former governor Ben Ayade attempted to undermine him politically, a claim that could not immediately be independently verified.
The exchange is part of a growing trend of political supporters in the state engaging in heated debates on social media as political activities begin to intensify ahead of the next election cycle.
