The Catholic Church has distanced itself from the spiritual director of Adoration Ministry Enugu, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, over his perceived politically charged comments.
Director of Communications, Catholic Diocese of Enugu, Rev. Fr. Benjamin Achi told The PUNCH on Tuesday that the diocese was not in support of the cleric’s remarks.
“There is a document issued by the Bishops’ conference to that effect. So, he just spoke on his own, not representing the diocese,” Achi said.
When asked if Mbaka was still a member of the diocese, Achi answered: “He is,” but that it was wrong for priests to make political statements from the pulpit.
“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.
“So, it would be wrong to stand at the pulpit to make any political statements,” Achi said.
The diocese spokesperson noted that if necessary, disciplinary action against Mbaka would be carried out by the priest’s administrative head.
In a video that has since gone viral, Mbaka 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 if caution was not applied neither the PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, nor President Muhammadu Buhari would win the 2019 presidential election.
