Catholic Church disowns Rev Fr. Mbaka, distances self from statements

The Catholic Church on Tuesday distance itself from the political statement made by the Spiritual Director of the Adoration Ministry, Enugu, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka against the vice presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Peter Obi.

Speaking on behalf of the church, the Director of Communications, Catholic Diocese of Enugu, Rev. Fr. Benjamin Achi said that the church is apolitical and it’s wrong for any priest to support a political candidate during election.

While disclosing that the diocese was not in support of the Mbaka’s remarks, Fr. Achi said “The diocese is not in support of any priest making political statements.

“The church is supposed to be apolitical and the Bishops’ conference has said that repeatedly. “We are not supposed to make any political statements from the pulpit within the context of Mass, that is, church service.

Fr. Achi said that the church law does not accept such a thing adding that it would be wrong for anybody (priest) to come out and give an endorsement to a particular candidate.

Daily Times recalls that Fr. Mbaka in a video that has since gone viral was seen telling the vice presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Peter Obi, during the annual harvest and bazaar celebration of the church on Sunday,

that neither the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, nor President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress, would win the 2019 presidential election.

Addressing Obi in Igbo, Mbaka said, “(Former) governor, listen, so that we won’t be deceiving God. As you are standing in the presence of these children of God, tell God what you will do for Him.

It means you don’t want to do anything for God.

“Let me believe in fear, but this is a political statement. God hates stinginess. What I am saying is not for your pleasure.

I am saying what will save your life, otherwise, you and Atiku will fail. The way you and Atiku are moving will end in shame.”