The Catholic Diocese of Nsukka has firmly reiterated that it is not a partisan institution and has no involvement in partisan politics, emphasizing that its primary mission remains the pastoral care of souls and the defence of human dignity.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!In a statement issued on Friday by the Director of Communications of the Diocese, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel I. Asadu, the Diocese expressed concern over what it described as an attempt by Mr. Reuben Onyishi, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Peter Mbah, to drag the Bishop of Nsukka into a political narrative.
According to the statement, the Bishop’s recent remarks were made during the burial of Catechist John Attah, one of the victims said to have suffered severe consequences following the demolition of shops at Ogige Market, Nsukka. The Diocese noted that Attah reportedly died after battling a stroke in the aftermath of the demolition of his shop and those belonging to members of his family.
The Diocese stated that the Bishop’s message at the funeral was purely pastoral in nature and not intended as a political campaign.
“The Bishop was at the burial of Catechist John Attah, one of those who died after battling stroke in the aftermath of the demolition of his shop and those of the other members of his family at the Ogige Market, Nsukka. He was just the latest of the many who are said to have died in similar circumstances,” the statement read.
The Diocese described attempts to portray the funeral message as a political event as “unchristian and misleading,” insisting that the Church has a responsibility to speak out against injustice and the suffering of the people, regardless of who is responsible.
“The duty of a shepherd is to speak against injustice and the suffering of the people, whether the action comes from a friend, an ally, or a stranger. The Church will not abdicate this responsibility,” the Diocese stated.
It further maintained that when people’s means of livelihood are destroyed without adequate and transparent resettlement measures, it is only proper for the Church to raise its voice in defence of affected citizens.
The Diocese also called on Mr. Onyishi and others to recognize that Governor Peter Mbah is not known for engaging in politics of intimidation or blackmail. Consequently, it urged political aides and media handlers to avoid tactics aimed at scoring political points or seeking favour through attacks on the Church.
“We therefore urge his media aides to refrain from deploying such tactics in an attempt to score cheap political points or curry favour. Nobody can intimidate or suppress the truth. No amount of sugar-coating or political rhetoric can erase the lived reality of those whose shops were demolished,” the statement added.
Reaffirming its commitment to its spiritual and moral obligations, the Diocese pledged to continue standing with the people and guiding the conscience of public office holders.
“The Diocese will continue to stand with the people and to guide the conscience of public office holders whose salvation is also part of the pastoral responsibility of the shepherd,” the statement concluded.
The statement was signed by Rev. Fr. Emmanuel I. Asadu, Director of Communications, Catholic Diocese of Nsukka.
