THE Catholic Diocese of Enugu has barred the Catholics from attending any religious activity at Reverend Father Ejike Mbaka’s Adoration Ministry, Enugu, Nigeria (AMEN).
Mbaka is the spiritual director of the Adoration Ministry.
This is coming after Mbaka’s recent utterances against the Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi.
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Mbaka had opposed Obi’s presidential bid, describing the former Anambra State governor as “stingy”.
Mbaka’s comments drew widespread condemnation from Nigerians.
A statement released on Saturday by by the Bishop of Enugu Catholic Diocese Callistus Onaga said Mbaka’s verbal attack on Obi was a “clear violation” of the provisions of the Canon Law “which forbids priests from engaging in partisan politics”.
The bishop asked all Catholics, including the clergy, religious and lay faithful, to desist from attending all religious and liturgical activities of the Adoration Ministry until the due canonical process initiated by the Diocese is concluded.
“In the light of the happenings in the Catholic Adoration Ministry Chaplaincy Enugu which are capable of undermining the Catholic faith and teachings; and after several fraternal corrections and admonitions to Fr. Camillus Ejike Mbaka, the Chaplain of the Ministry Chaplaincy, which he persistently violated; and in the fulfilment of my pastoral duties as the Chief Shepherd with the obligation to promote and safeguard the Catholic faith and morals in Enugu Diocese, I hereby prohibit all Catholics (clergy, religious and lay faithful) henceforth from attending all religious and liturgical activities of the Catholic Adoration Ministry until the due canonical process initiated by the Diocese is concluded.
“My decision is based on the fact that some of the teachings and utterances of Fr. Camillus Ejike Mbaka at the Catholic Adoration Ministry are not consistent with the teachings and faith of the Catholic Church.
“I enjoin all the Christian Faithful to keep praying for Fr. Mbaka and the Catholic Diocese of Enugu as I entrust him and the Diocese to the maternal care and protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of the Apostles,” the statement said.
Mbaka had on Friday apologised to Obi and asked for forgiveness from the Labour Party presidential candidate’s supporters, saying he was misunderstood.
Amos Abba is a journalist with the International Center for Investigative Reporting, ICIR, who believes that courageous investigative reporting is the key to social justice and accountability in the society.