The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has reacted to the recent spat between the Vice Presidential Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Peter Obi, and the Spiritual Director of the Adoration Ministries, Enugu, Nigeria (AMEN), Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka describing the altercation as shameful.
As contained in a statement on Thursday issued by the Secretary-General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), Rev. Fr. Ralph Madu, the incident did not have the support of the CBCN, stressing that the stand of the Catholic Church on August 7, 2018 that priests should remain apolitical and must not support or subscribe to any political party has not changed.
Explaining that the Enugu Diocese is taking appropriate measures on the incident, the CBCN further warned its priests against partisan politics, as it restated that doing so amounted to a contravention of the Canon Law of the church.
“Our concern is for a peaceful election process seen to be free, fair, credible and just. We are for a democratic governance that guarantees peace, justice, equity, development and religious freedom for the common good.
“Mindful of the present charged political life of the country, with the ongoing campaign of political parties gathering momentum, we deem it necessary to again remind all priests and faithful to keep the position of the church on the issue of non-partisan politics.” he added.
Temidayo Taiwo-Sidiq is a Journalist, Political Analyst and Satirist with major interest in Nigerian Politics, Governance and Sports.
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