Let me start by saying that I’m not Peter Obi supporter, neither am I a Labour Party member. But as one of the critical minds of the 21st century, I pay attention to some very critical national issues, share my thoughts/insights, and allow posterity to take its course.
Let me also make it clear that I’m a Catholic Christian, a communicant that at least understands to a reasonable extent the Catholic Doctrines and what are obtainable within the Christian community.
Over the years, I resolved not to discuss religious issues or anything related to ordained ministers because they are spiritual. But the recent outburst on Mr Peter Obi, the LP presidential candidate by Rev. Fr Ejike Mbaka has called for necessary actions.
Catholicism is a different world with strict standing rules where members are expected to act in accordingly. The priests of the Roman Catholic Church are vessels which these doctrines are transmitted to the lay faithful. They act within the confines of the Catholic laws and behavioural norms to groom the lay faithful to an acceptable standard in the society. And they are obligated not to partake seriously on earthly activities.
Recall that Fr Mbaka in the build up to the 2015 general elections was instrumental to the emergence of President Muhammadu Buhari. He castigated former president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan owing to the state of insecurity and other factors. But to our greatest surprise, since after the last general elections, the level of insecurity, starvation, economic backwardness and the general inhuman activities across the country has been on the increase.
Recently at Owo, in Ondo State, worshippers were slaughtered in cold blood. Ours have become a country where people sleep with their two eyes widely open. From 2012 when GEJ government announced the removal of the first fuel subsidy, the street of Abuja became littered with protesters. Today, it’s over 50% worse than what we experienced in GEJ’s administration. But both the protesters and preachers castigating GEJ have gone AWOL.
With all Fr Mbaka did to bring PMB in, some time ago, Garba Shehu – SSA to PMB on media and publicity – rained insults on him, that he was lobbying for contracts.
Fr Mbaka in his usual manner has started with Mr Peter Obi, a successful businessman that was even forced into the political arena, by calling him unprintable names.
It seems Fr Mbaka has forgotten his religious obligations or probably has more interest in politics now. If he prefers politics to religion now he should make it clear, if not he can’t combine the two together.
I hereby call on the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) to call Fr Mbaka to order to avoid further damage.
And the need to, as a matter of necessity, identify the dichotomy between politics and religion.
By Mike Odey
