The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, CBCN, has condemned the recent criticism of its decision to transfer a Priest of its Enugu Diocese, Reverend Father Ejike Mbaka.
Father Mbaka was transferred from his former parish, Christ the Kind, to Our lady’s Parish Emene, in the same diocese. The transfer of the priest from his GRA Enugu parish where he had been for over a decade and established a prayer and miracle ministry called the Adoration Prayer Ministries, Enugu (AMEN).
Critics had accused the Catholic Church of transferring Mbaka punitively after he delivered a sermon alleging a witch hunt and declaring that he would ‘suffer’ in his news parish. Leading the charge was the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its supporters, who regarded it as a punitive measure by the church against the fiery priest for his anti-Jonathan prophesies.
Addressing the church at its opening session of the CBCN on Sunday, February 14, 2016, president of the Conference, Bishop Ignatius Kaigama, condemned Mbaka’s prophecies stressing that the church and particularly its priests and leaders must avoid the what he regarded as the “melodramatic displays that resembles modern broadway shows.”
“Those priests who tend to compete with so-called trendy pastors to dream dreams, see visions and utter prophecies are reminded that not all dreams, visions and prophecies are revelations from God.
“They are sometimes the product of one’s psychological disposition, brain waves or even the result of mental fatigue and should not be confused with absolute reality,” Bishop Kaigama said.
He also called on the leaders of the country, at all levels, to work for the unity of the country.
“We need to think positively about the Nigerian project and act in a manner that builds rather than destroys,” he stated.
Also in his brief remark at the introduction of guests, the assistant secretary general of the CBCN and Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Bishop Felix Ajakaiye, said, “When I am transferred I am transferred; no sensation should be attached.”
Speaking earlier at the sermon, during the opening mass, Bishop of Abuja Arch Diocese, Bishop John Onaiyekan, said Nigerians have a right to be angry at the ‘criminal corruption,’ which led to diversion of funds meant for the purchase of arms, stressing that it is the hope of all well meaning Nigerians that such fraudulent acts are now a thing of the past.
“Our gallant troops must never again be left with inadequate resources to carry out the dangerous acts imposed on them on our behalf,” he said.
Bishop Onaiyekan called on the current administration to keep up its legal efforts to thoroughly investigate the crimes of the past, transparently prosecute accused persons and hold the guilty accountable according to the law.
He reiterated his earlier call for collaboration with the church and religious bodies in the effort to bring about a transformation of minds and action by Nigerians.
As part of its annual practice, Onaiyekan said the CBCN will make suggestions at the end of its session on January 17, on ways to move the nation forward.
(Hattip to Premium Times)
