FR BENJAMIN ACHI
Director of Social Communica-
tions, Enugu Diocese
Well, the question is whether this is
actually seen as a prophesy or just a
question of a religious leader roman-
ticizing with politicians and being
privy to their political antics and then
coming out to present it in the guise
of prophesy. Critical minded people
are thinking in that direction.
It is a dangerous trend when reli-
gious leaders submit themselves as
willing tools in the hands of politi-
cians.
The church has always been clear
about priests’ involvement in partisan
politics and that regulation hasn’t
changed yet. So this kind of involve-
ment is not permissible and is never
to be encouraged.
As for what should be the reaction
of the CBCN, well I believe they are in
a better position to know how best to
respond to the situation and many are
indeed anticipatory of their reaction.
While I may not recommend that
private ministries in the Church be
discontinued, I’m strongly of the view
that they be properly regulated and
checkmated.
FR. PETER AKODU
Priest in Residence at St. Pio
Catholic Church, Orile
Let me say a priest is a prophet so
I don’t think possessing the gift of
prophesy is antithetical to his calling.
However, this gift must be used
carefully since every gift is for service.
It should not be used as a tool for ven-
detta or a weapon used against those
who do not share his viewpoint or
political belief/philosophy. So a priest
does not wake up from his dream to
begin to issue political statements as
prophesy for instance. Whatever is
coming out of the mouth of the priest
to address the political situation of the
country must not only be politically
correct, it must be issue based. It
shouldn’t attack persons or parties be-
cause he is the father of all: the father
of APC, PDP and other parties and
all politicians. More so when an issue
has assumed a contentious dimension
in court, the priest has to tread softly
so he will run away from contempt.
Though I do not know the particu-
lar issue in contention, these are the
implications.
FR FEMI ADETUNJI
Vice President, SIGNIS
Prophecy has been an old phenom-
enon in the affair of man. Prophets
in the bible do predict the future on
general issues & it became a reality.
However, prophets of today, most
often centered their prophesy on
politician & rich ple. Fr Mbaka ‘s
case is more worrisome as a Catholic
Priest. Catholic church is not known
for this kind of practice. Mbaka gives
an impression that he dines & wines
with politicians. The implication is
that, people will no longer believe him
and may even see him as prophet of
the rich. I am very much aware that
his Bishop has cautioned him many
times, but he would not listen. The
church is a disciplined organisation.
Nobody is bigger than the church . Let
Fr. Mbaka enjoy his popularity while
it lasts, it is just a matter of time
