Security beefed round Enugu Catholic Bishop’s Court
By CHARLES IWUOHA
Following the protest by thousands of supporters of Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka over the shutting down of Adoration Ministry, heavy security have been beefed up round to the home of the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev Dr. Callistus Onaga.
Similarly last year, many faithful of the spiritual Director of Adoration Ministry, Enugu, Nigeria stormed the Bishop’s House and destroyed valuables worth millions of naira in the premises, after stories emerged that Mbaka has been arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).
The residence of the Bishop at independence layout, Enugu, observed that three patrol vans fully loaded with police and Army operatives barricaded the two entrances to the street.
A Security operative told News Express that they’re at the venue to forestall any breakdown of law and order.
“Didn’t you hear about these Church people and their wahala? That’s why we’re here to prevent any problem,” the officer who declined giving his identity said.
The current problem started when Mbaka in one of his messages told his followers that Peter Obi is too stingy and will never be Nigerian president.
The statement generated a lot of backlash which culminated in the Catholic Church disowning Mbaka and the Bishop went further to direct Catholic faithfuls to boycott the Adoration Ministry.
“In the light of the happenings in the Catholic Adoration Ministry Chaplaincy Enugu; capable of undermining the Catholic faith and teachings; and after several fraternal corrections and admonitions to Fr. Camillus Ejike Mbaka, the Chaplain of the Ministry: and after having given him pastoral directives and guidelines for the Ministry Chaplaincy, which he persistently violated: and in fulfilment of my pastoral duties as the Chief Shepherd with the obligation to promote and safeguard the Catholic faith and morals in Enugu Diocese, I hereby prohibit all Catholics (clergy, religious and lay faithful) henceforth front attending all religious and liturgical activities of the Catholic Adoration Ministry until the due canonical process initiated by the Diocese is concluded,” the Bishop said in a letter.
Despite his apology to Peter Obi and his supporters, Mbaka also suspended all activities in the ministry.
“There will be no program starting from tomorrow being 19th June 2022 at Adoration Ministry Enugu Nigeria Amen, Umuchigbo Emene, Enugu State”.
“Sunday Mass, Wednesday (E No Dey) And Night Programs will not hold till Further Notice,” Adoration Ministry said in a public notice issued on Sunday.
Despite the public notice, Adoration Ministry faithful on Sunday embarked on a massive protest with direct verbal attack on Enugu Catholic Bishop, Callistus Onaga for clampdown on the Mbaka’s Ministry.