Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi says he has “no issue” with Enugu-based Catholic priest Rev. Fr Ejike Mbaka after the priest described him as a stingy man.
Despite his apology over the statement, Catholic bishop of Enugu Diocese, Callistus Onaga, barred the faithful from attending Mbaka’s Adoration Ministry.
Mr Obi said during his appearance on a programme on Voice of the People FM, Lagos on Sunday that he still loves and respects Mbaka despite the latter’s outburst.
A video clip of the radio programme has gone viral on social media.
“For me, Father Mbaka is an ordained priest of God. And as a priest, he remains my priest. And I will always respect and show my allegiance to the (Catholic) church.
“Whatever he says, I will take it because he is my father in faith. And I respect him any day. And he is my brother. We are close,” Obi said.
The former Anambra State governor noted that he has been telling pastors who try to warn him with their revelations about the outcome of the forthcoming presidential election to pray to prevent “such revealed situation” from happening.
“Whenever he (Mbaka) says something wrong, I pray over it. If he says something right, I pray over it. So, mine are prayers. Whatever he does, I love him.
“This is me because he is a priest of God. I don’t have any problem with him. Whatever he says, I will put it in prayers,” he said.
Two of Obi’s siblings — Fabian Obi and Martina Obi — are part of the Catholic clergy.
