According to Tribune newspaper, the Southern Nigeria Christian Elders’ Forum (SOCEF) on Sunday faulted the “prophetic message” of Enugu Catholic priest, Reverend Father Ejike Mbaka, concerning President Goodluck Jonathan, calling on the cleric to remain apolitical.
Addressing journalists shortly after their meeting in Enugu, the Forum said Mbaka’s message was merely his personal opinion and not from the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
The meeting was attended by archbishops, bishops and other Christian leaders from the South-West, South-South and the South-East, including Most Reverend A.N.C Anikwenwa, Bishop Peter Ogumuyiwa, Most Reverend Caleb Maduoma, Reverend Felix Ekiye, among others.The Chairman of the Forum, Bishop David Eberechukwu, who gave the stand of the group, said it was not the first time Mbaka would be making such claims.
“In 2003, he said that then Governor Chimaroke Nnamani would not get re-election and that if that happens, he would remove his cassock; indeed, Chimaroke was re-elected and up till today, he has not removed his cassock.
“So, his message is just a personal opinion; it didn’t come from the impulse of the Holy Spirit,” he maintained.
In a 10-point communique issued by the Forum and read by Bishop Eberechukwu, the group stated that for the sake of equity and fairness, President Goodluck Jonathan should be allowed to complete a second tenure on behalf of the South-South zone.
Speaking on the need for stronger ties among the states in the zone, the forum urged the governors of the states in the Southern Nigeria “to revitalise the Southern Nigeria Governors’ Forum for the sake of political co-operation and development.”
SOCEF further expressed concern over the plight of Christians in the Northern Nigeria as well as “the unprecedented challenges the nation faces as a result of the Boko Haram insurgency in the Northern parts of the country and the political tension in Nigeria as a result of the forthcoming elections.
“We note with dismay and deep sorrow the plight of our Christian brethren in the Northern parts of Nigeria, the relentless siege and persecution against them as a result of their faith, and urge all forces, Federal, State and Local Government Areas, well meaning leaders- local and international to come to the aid of our Christian brethren in the North.” (Tribune)