The transfer of controversial Enugu-based Catholic priest, Reverend Father Ejike Mbaka from Christ The King Parish, GRA, Enugu, to Our Lady Parish, Emene, a suburb of the state, has continued to generate ripples, especially on social media.
The transfer of Fr Mbaka, who also leads the Adoration Ministry, occurred few weeks ago, not long after he paid a much-publicised courtesy visit on President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House, Abuja.
But the cleric finally moved to his new post on Saturday, accompanied by many of his parishioners at Christ The King Ministry, many of whom were openly shedding tears.
At the time of the transfer, many described it as politically-motivated, and aimed at punishing the fire-brand preacher for openly expressing his views on controversial political issues, including predicting the ouster of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan and raising alarm about an alleged plot to assassinate President Muhammadu Buhari.
In a twist, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), through its South East caucus condemned the transfer of Fr Mbaka, claiming that the Enugu Diocese allowed external forces to influence its decision.
A statement signed by the spokesman of the South East Caucus of the APC, Osita Okechukwu read in part: “Whereas we accept that the transfer of priests is a routine exercise of the great Catholic Church, however we do not wholly accept a situation where the church allows external forces to influence transfer as the Mbaka’s case suggests.
“Otherwise, future liberation clergy who speak truth to power will be hamstrung to the detriment of the society.
“Our major concern is the security implications and the fate of his flocks who are mostly the downtrodden who may find it difficult to go to Emene for salvation and healing.
“We frown at anything which will put Fr. Mbaka in harms way or deny his flocks healing.”
The party also said that the man of God had been under pressure since he predicted Buhari’s victory at the polls.
While expressing solidarity with Fr Mbaka, the party questioned why a man who had been a parish priest for over 20 years would suddenly be demoted to assistant parish priest to someone else.
The party said it believed groups like Ohanaeze Ndigbo must have had a hand in the cleric’s fate.
Okechukwu added, “As a party, we have watched with concern and trepidation the criticism, the attack, assault and unpleasant comments hurled against Fr. Mbaka since he providentially prophesied that President Buhari would win the 2015 elections.
“Even the Church did not spare him, he was called unprintable names, yet his prophecy came true. We are happy that Fr. Mbaka was vindicated.
“It must be pointed out that accusing fingers were pointed at the direction of some anti-Buhari elements like Ohanaeze Ndigbo, a group that didn’t want to hear the name of Buhari – even though Ohanaeze denied the allegation, doubts still persists.
“For we are still at a loss why a senior priest will be degraded to an assistant parish priest.
“We repeat that we are in solidarity with Fr. Mbaka and our major concern is the security of Fr. Mbaka and the suffering of his flocks mostly the poor who need his healing powers.
“We had thought that His Lordship Bishop Calistus Onaga could have retained him at the Adoration Ground, as the Bishop Emeritus Gbuji did because of security of his life and easy access by his flocks.”
However, Nigerians have taken to social media, especially Twitter, to express their views on the transfer and the propriety of APC’s interference in it.
Read their comments below…
Is Father Mbaka an APC member now, what is APC's concern with his transfer. They should face the collapsing economy and leave the church!
— Jackson Ude (@jacksonpbn) January 31, 2016
Father Mbaka should not be in the news every day. Simple as ABC.
— Dr. Dípò Awójídé (@OgbeniDipo) January 31, 2016
Ur Navel is nt planted in one Parish father Mbaka.. Religious postng is not APC issue unless they say u should not obey d holy church
— BOBBYBENZ (@ABOINCE) January 31, 2016
If Father Mbaka's Transfer Was Political Motivated, The God He Worship Would Fight For Him In Mysterious Ways. It's None of Our Business.
— Anj-Oluwole™ (@tweetjuwon) January 31, 2016
Firstly what is Father Mbaka's relationship with APC? https://t.co/DWvTRhsOKw
— BISHOP (@BishopTopsy) January 31, 2016
Wait, what's APC's business in the internal affairs of a church? How can they say the Catholic Church erred in transferring Father Mbaka?
— Mark Amaza (@amasonic) January 31, 2016
https://twitter.com/cute_ellyn/status/693866202381312000
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