By Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Pope Francis has named Bishop Patrick Eluke as the new Apostolic Administrator of the Catholic Diocese of Port Harcourt. This follows the resignation of Bishop Camillus Archibong Etukudoh, who reached the retirement age of 75 in August 2024.
The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) announced this in a statement on Wednesday. It said the Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty, revealed the appointment during Holy Mass at the cathedral in Port Harcourt. The announcement came amid a three-day pastoral visit to the diocese.
Crotty explained that Bishop Eluke, previously the Auxiliary Bishop of Port Harcourt, will now manage the diocese temporarily. He takes on these duties until a permanent bishop is appointed. Etukudoh had led Port Harcourt for 16 years, following 20 years as bishop in Ikot Ekpene Diocese.