04/10/2022
Catholic Church clarifies Mbaka’s ‘removal’ from Adoration Ministry
“The church loves Fr. Mbaka and cherishes him as an illustrious son,” the Catholic Church spokesperson said.
By Videowish October 4, 2022
The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) has debunked reports that the Catholic Church has removed its outspoken priest, Ejike Mbaka, as the spiritual director of the Adoration Ministry, Enugu.
The CSN National Director of Social Communications, Mike Umoh, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.
The CSN is the administrative headquarters of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, responsible for the administration and promotion of the Catholic Church in Nigeria.
Mr Mbaka was reported to have been removed as the spiritual director of the ministry days after the leadership of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu lifted a three-month-old ban on church members from attending service at the ministry.
The ban followed scathing remarks against Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, by Mr Mbaka, who is the spiritual director of the ministry.
During a service on Sunday at the ministry, Mr Mbaka was said to have announced his removal as the spiritual director of the ministry and subsequently introduced Anthony Amadi, another Catholic priest, as the new spiritual director of the ministry.
The cleric was also quoted by Vanguard newspaper as saying that he had been directed to “proceed to a monastery” as part of the disciplinary measures against him by the church.
“So, while I proceed to the monastery to continue with the remaining disciplinary exercises, as directed. I wouldn’t know how long; but the church has appointed Fr Anthony Amadi, one of us, to be overseeing all affairs of the ministry, to be assisted by other priests, pending my return, by the grace of God,” Mr Mbaka had said. ©️ October 4 2022
