From Catholic Diocese of Nsukka
CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF NSUKKA IS NOT PARTISAN
The Catholic Diocese of Nsukka wishes to state clearly that it is not a partisan institution and has no interest in partisan politics. Our mission remains the pastoral care of souls and the defence of human dignity.
It is unfortunate that Mr. Reuben Onyishi SSA to Gov. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah has chosen to drag the name of our Bishop into a political narrative. 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 bishop’s message was therefore an expression of his pastoral responsibility, not a political campaign. For Mr. Onyishi to twist a funeral message into a campaign event is both uncharitable and misleading.
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. When people’s means of livelihood are destroyed without adequate and transparent resettlement, it is only right that the voice of conscience is raised.
We wish to remind Mr. Onyishi and others that the Governor of Enugu State is not known for the politics of intimidation and blackmail. 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 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.
Signed:
Fr. Emmanuel I. Asadu
Director of Communications Catholic Diocese of Nsukka
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
