‘Time away recommended’ — Catholic church reacts as worshippers protest Mbaka’s transfer

Attendees of Adoration Ministries, Enugu, Nigeria (AMEN), have protested the transfer of Ejike Mbaka from the centre.

Mbaka, AMEN spiritual director, who announced his transfer on Sunday, said Callistus Onaga, the bishop of Enugu diocese, has appointed Anthony Amadi to take charge of the ministry.

“While I proceed to the monastery to continue with the remaining disciplinary exercises, as directed — I wouldn’t know how long — the church has appointed Father 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,” Mbaka had said.

On September 30, TheCable had reported that Mbaka announced that activities would resume at the centre on October 2.

This was after a 15-week ban placed on the ministry following a controversial comment by Mbaka about Peter Obi, presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP).

However, upon resumption of activities at the centre, the announcement of Mbaka’s transfer to the monastery led to protests.

‘HE’S IN SOLITUDE’

Meanwhile, the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) has said Mbaka is only taking time away in solitude.

In a statement on Monday, Mike Umoh, CSN national director of social communications, said instead of protesting, worshippers should pray for Mbaka.

“Going by an interview with the Director of Communications, Enugu Diocese, Rev. Fr. Ben Achi, Very Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka was not removed from the Adoration Ministry, as many reports are suggesting,” the statement reads.

“Rather, according to Fr. Achi, since it was recommended that Fr. Mbaka takes time away in solitude, in order to listen to what the Spirit of God has to tell him, he was allowed to propose a priest to administer, in the interim, to the faithful at the Adoration Ministry.

“With the approval of his Bishop, on Sunday, 2 October 2022, Fr. Mbaka introduced Fr. Anthony Amadi to the worshippers. Unfortunately, some people were still not pleased, and would prefer that Fr. Mbaka remains.

“What every true Christian, and especially every true Catholic, should do at this moment is to commit our dear brother and priest, Fr. Mbaka, to God in prayer so that he may, through this moment, encounter God specially, come out stronger and better in recognising His will for him and gain more graces to channel those rare gifts for His glory and for the sanctification of the people of God and society at large.

“The Church loves Fr. Mbaka and cherishes him as an illustrious son.”