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Tag: Archbishop

  • Okorocha: I don’t have issues with Catholic Archbishop

    Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha say he has no scores to settle with the Archbishop of Owerri Catholic Archdiocese, Revd. Anthony Obinna.

    Imo Catholic-owned newspaper, The Leader, published a story and quoted the governor as saying he had scores to settle with the cleric.

    But Okorocha warned those responsible for the falsehood to stop creating such impressions.

    A section of politicians in the state had been engaging in a campaign of calumny against the governor for alleged molestation of the archbishop by supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC). But the archbishop absolved the governor and the APC of all allegations.

    A statement by Okorocha’s Chief Press Secretary Sam Onwuemeodo said “Governor Okorocha or the Rescue Mission government he pilots has no scores to settle with Archbishop Anthony Obinna. People should please stop creating such impression.

    “In 2011 and 2015, Okorocha and the APC won overwhelmingly in Owerri Municipal where most members of Owerri Catholic Diocese reside. And more than 95 per cent of members of the diocese, including the archbishop’s elder brother and a frontline politician, Sir Paddy Obinna, have remained strong supporters of the governor and the Rescue Mission government.

    “And in 2019 no doubt, members of the diocese will also vote for the governor’s choice for the governorship because they know the truth of this story. They know that the governor has never, in any way, offended the archbishop or the diocese.

    “They know that Okorocha’s achievements in seven years have exceeded that of his predecessors put together since the state was created in 1976. They also know that the governor has invested in the diocese more than any before him, whether military or civilian.

    “The only issue is that the archbishop does not seem to like APC as a party, and he does not hide it. He does not hide his affiliation to APGA. So, he finds it difficult to be on the same page with President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Rochas Okorocha, who are products of APC.

    “We appeal to The Leader, owned by the diocese, to stop damaging the reputation of the archbishop by publishing falsehood and blackmail as if it is an opposition medium.”

  • 2019: Imo Archbishop under fire for criticising APC, Okorocha

    2019: Imo Archbishop under fire for criticising APC, Okorocha

    Out spoken cleric and Archbishop of Owerri Catholic Diocese, Archbishop Anthony Obinna, has come under severe criticism for openly canvassing support for one of the political parties during a public function at the weekend.

    The Archbishop also drew the ire of the congregation when he digressed from his sermon during a burial mass at the St. Michael Catholic Church Ngwoma-Obube in Owerri North Council Area of the state and accused the state governor, Rochas Okorocha and the All Progressives Congress (APC) for reducing the state to a laughing stock.

    The cleric was further quoted by eyewitnesses to have urged the people to ensure that the APC does not return to power in the state, adding that the party has failed the people.

    According to an eyewitness, “the service was going on smoothly when the Archbishop suddenly asked those that have Permanent Voters Card (PVC) to raise up their hands. After that, he said that all those that were yet to get their PVC should do so and ensure that they vote out the APC and bring in another party because the people are not happy with the bad roads in the state, even though the government has created the Ministry of Happiness”.

    The source continued that, “the Archbishop again asked the congregation if they will allow the APC to continue by allowing the governor to impose a governor on the state. At this point, a Chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), walked up to the pulpit and was given the microphone by the Archbishop. He then started shouting that the APC has killed the state, that the APC will never come back to the state.

    “At that point an APC Chieftain also came out and collected the microphone and told the congregation that the people are happy with the APC and the state governor at that point there was stampede at the pulpit as supporters of the different political parties present at service started scrambling for the microphone”.

    Meanwhile, the wife of the State governor, Nkechi Rochas Okorocha, the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Acho Ihim and the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Uche Nwosu and other top government functionaries were seated quietly at the front row.

    Another member of the congregation, Simeon Okokwe, said that the situation almost degenerated into bloody clash if not for the maturity displayed by the government officials at the event.

    He blamed the Archbishop for turning a Requiem Mass to a political campaign, noting that “he should have exploited better avenues to correct the government in the areas he felt it is not done well than his open show of partisanship”.

    It will be recalled that in 2011, the Archbishop led the campaign against the re-election of the then governor, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, who was accused of beating up a Reverend Father.

    But the former governor was recently absolved of the allegation by the Archbishop, nearly seven years after losing the election to the incumbent governor.

    The Archbishop also fell out with the APC led government in 2015 when he allegedly endorsed the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

    Also commenting on the incident, Mr. Charles Amadi, stated that, “the manner the Archbishop is getting involved in partisan politics is becoming worrisome. As a revered cleric, he should see everyone, irrespective of political party as his children. He should advice all the politicians, especially those occupying public office without fear or bias. But the idea of taking advantage of every religious gathering to support one political party or politician against the other is highly condemnable”.

    But supporters of the PDP had accused APC supporters of attacking the Archbishop for merely criticizing their party and the governor over the failure of his administration meet the aspirations of the people of the state.

    They described the action as “desperation taken too far”, urging the people to vote out the party in 2019.

  • Archbishop to Nigerians: work hard for better life

    The Archbishop and Supreme Head of Christ Church of Cherubim and Seraphim (TCCC&S), Rev. George Aderehinwo, has urged Nigerians to work hard this year to enable them reap bumper harvests from their endeavours.

    The cleric spoke at this year’s edition of the church’s annual seaside programme, with the theme: For the Lord God will help me; therefore, have I set my face like a fliat, and I know that I shall not be ashamed, taken from Isaiah 50:7.

    The programme was held at Ode-Omi in Ogun-Waterside Local Government Area of Ogun State.

    Attendees at the programme said they gained spiritual uplifting.

    Aderehinwo advised Nigerians to be steadfast in their spiritual quests, to be successful this year.

    The annual gathering, the cleric said, was aimed at enriching the lives of Christians across the country and beyond.

    According to him, hard work brings success but laziness causes misery.

    The church’s Central Executive Council (CEC) Chairman Bishop Tola Ajayi said the programme was an annual spiritual-cleansing of dipping the cross into the sea by some select elders of the church.

    It holds on the third day of the annual spiritual service.

    Ajayi said: “There is every need for Nigerians to be prayerful, if they must be prosperous in 2018.”

    To enrich the spiritual welfare of the attendees was the king of Zion music, Apostle Debo Ojubuyi.

    He preached to the congregation with spiritual songs.

    The gospel artiste advised the attendees to be strong in prayers for things to work out for them this year.

    There was also a Bible quiz and a debate competition among the various districts of the church across the world.

    Notable clerics at the event included Rev. E. I. Alaba, Rev. M. A. Amele, Rev. S. A. Elijah, Arch-deaconess Odoroye A. A, Bishop C. A. Ajayi,  Bishop Z. A. Akinwande, Ven. D. D. Babatunde, Venerable Japhet Odukoya Plato, Ven. S. K. Popoola, Pastor Omoyele King, General Solomon, Rev. Mother Akingbohungbe, Ven. M. A. Isekoya, Ven. S. S. Fatoyinbo, among others

     

  • 2019: Archbishop backs ABP

    2019: Archbishop backs ABP

    President of the Foundation for World Peace and Dispute Resolution Archbishop Samson Benjamin has openly declared support for newly-registered All Blending Party(ABP).

    He also called on President Muhammadu Buhari not to seek a second term in office.

    He stated that it would be more honorable for the president to leave a legacy by giving way to younger crop of leaders.

    Benjamin, who spoke to newsmen yesterday on his return from a visit to the Parliament of the United Kingdom (UK), stated that recycling of old politicians has not done Nigeria much good.

    ABP, according to him, has an all inclusive system that is masses-oriented and mostly populated with young and brilliant minds.

    On the current socio-economic and political situation in the country, Benjamin who was outspoken against the candidacy of Buhari during the 2015 general elections said he is not surprised at how things turned out.

    “What I said is what is coming to pass. And it’s good that Nigerians are experiencing it for themselves.

    “It cost me a lot to speak out against Buhari then, but I had a great instinct that he would not perform well.

    “He means well for the country, but has not been able to perform to the yearnings of the people of Nigeria who expected much more from him.

    “The truth is that whatever he has not done now, he can’t do before 2019. This government has not impressed Nigerians,” he stated.

    While promising to help the ABP in any way he can to cause a generation shift in the nation’s leadership and correct errors of the past, Benjamin stated part of his mission in the UK and United States of America(USA) was to raise support for the young party.

    He called on other Nigerians of like minds to rally round the ABP in which, he said, every Nigerian has a stake.

    He said the party does not have a winner- takes-it- all mentality as its programmes makes room for all-inclusiveness.

    On the recent letter by former President Olusegun Obasanjo to Buhari, Benjamin said the letter only reflected what a great number of Nigerians want.

     

  • Archbishop urges government to prioritise welfare of Nigerians in 2018

    Archbishop urges government to prioritise welfare of Nigerians in 2018

    The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins, has urged the Federal and State Government to prioritise the welfare of every Nigerian citizen in 2018.

    Martins made the appeal in his New Year message released on Friday.

    “The low quality of lives that characterised most of the year 2017 led to untold hardships and alarming illegal migration of able-bodied Nigerians to Libya and European countries.

    “The Federal and State governments should wake up to the reality that the electorate – the citizens of this country to whom they campaigned and who voted them into power – deserve better quality of lives in the year 2018 and beyond,” he said.

    Martins also urged political leaders to make concerted effort to restructure the country towards the path of true federalism.

    “As Nigerians, we have every cause to thank God for seeing us through the difficult year 2017.

    “We went through very challenging situations both economically and politically, yet it has pleased the Almighty God to continue to keep us as one and indivisible entity.

    “But we must tell ourselves the gospel truth; the year 2017 was not a very happy one for most Nigerians.

    “Many state governments failed in their responsibilities to their citizens; workers salaries were not paid; unemployment and insecurity were at an all-time high.

    “The Federal Government too did not perform better. It is yet to deliver on many of its electoral promises, including restructuring of the country.

    “In this New Year, leadership at all levels should wake up and be alive to their responsibilities,” he said.

    Martins also urged the electorate to be more discerning.

    The Archbishop scored the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC and its subsidiaries low for failing to provide adequate petroleum products during the festive period.

    He said this added to the sufferings of the already impoverished citizens of the country.

    The cleric urged the Federal Government to approach the problem confronting the petroleum sector holistically by considering building of new refineries.

    He said this was better than constantly importing refined products, even though the country is a major producer of oil.

    “So much money has been put into Turn-Around-Maintenance (TAM) over the years without anything to show for it.

    “Licences have been given to private entrepreneurs over the years but we have not seen that making any impact on the lives of Nigerians.

    “Government needs to ensure that the bottle-necks to the success of those initiatives are removed and if there are people not making it work, government should have the moral courage to remove them also,” he said.

    The cleric urged Nigerians to remain steadfast in prayers for the continuous peace and unity of the country.

    He called on the political class to exhibit more transparency, accountability, and selflessness in the New Year.

    Martins said that the present hardship being experienced across the country makes it incumbent on them to re-appraise the huge cost of governance at all levels and make the necessary adjustments for the good of all.

  • Archbishop laments poor wealth distribution

    Nigerian-born Archbishop of Christian Community Ministries International Sao Paulo Brazil, Emmanuel Chukwu Emmanuel, has faulted the nation’s wealth distribution system.

    The faulty system, according to him, is responsible for Nigeria’s economic crisis.

    Emmanuel said: “A situation where one man is richer than the country is wrong and that is because of wrong distribution of wealth.

    “There is no magic to advance the economy if our leaders do not know how to distribute the wealth through investments in the country.”

    The cleric also reasoned that the lack of fear of God was also to blame for the woeful economic condition of the country.

    “There is hardship in the land because of the lack of fear of God. Africa is the richest continent in the world but does not know how to manage its wealth because the leaders are not God-fearing.

    “They do not believe in the wisdom and knowledge of the distribution of wealth,” he stated.

    Emmanuel frowned at the preponderance of greed among the nation’s political leaders.

    “When we stop being greedy and think about our brothers, infrastructure will be better than what we have presently.

    “There is no need taking money to Switzerland that cannot be accessed by your children when you die,” he stressed.

    However, he believes all hope is not lost though, especially for those whose trust in God.

    “We serve a God of miracles. God provides our needs. We are not led by the economy of this country but by God’s financial supply, as God says.

    “When you believe in God, He supplies all your needs; He is not a man that lies.

    “He has been supplying my needs; there is no lack. Supernaturally, God has been seeing members of my church and me through.

    “We have number of testimonies. He makes dreams and goals come true. I know it that God is not a man that lies.”

  • Archbishop seeks financial transparency

    The Archbishop of the Calabar Archdiocese of the Catholic Church, Rev Joseph Ekuwem, yesterday, called for transparency in the nation’s financial management.

    Speaking at the opening of this year’s Roman Catholic Chaplains Conference of the Navy at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Calabar yesterday, Ekuwem said economic problems were global, hence the need for prudence in management of resources.

    The conference, organised by the Navy’s directorate of Naval Chaplaincy Services, has its theme as: “Enhancing Standard Financial Management in line with the Constitution of the Armed Forces Chaplaincy (Roman Catholic).”

    Ekuwem said: “I welcome this celebration in Calabar. It is an honour and privilege. This is the first time it is coming to Calabar. We must accept that economy is a problem everywhere in the world. For some of us in the Catholic Church, we think money is just coming from somewhere, from Rome. They also have lean resources. Let us be straightforward, open, transparent in what we get and how we spend so that our families may be at peace.”

    The archbishop noted that there must be unity and respect for hierarchy within the church.

    The Navy’s Staff Officer/Acting Director of Religious Affairs, Lt Cmr Robert Emeka Oparaji, said the conference would give additional training to the Navy’s Roman Catholic chaplains in  financial management following the Armed Forces Pastoral Church Council Constitution RC as amended in February 2016.

    He said the annual conference was a period to deliberate and make submissions to enhance the development of the Navy chaplaincy.

    He hailed the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ette Ibas, approving the conference.

    Flag Officer Commanding  Eastern Naval Command, Rear Admiral James Oluwole, who opened the conference, said: “As children of God, we should preach prudence.”

    Chief Staff Officer of the ENS, Rear Admiral Fred Obi Ofodile, said the conference was timely coming at a time Nigeria was finding the best ways to manage the scarce financial resources.

  • Looters must return stolen money – Archbishop

    From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

    The Archbishop Catholic Arch Diocese of Kaduna, Most Rev. Mathew Man-Oso Ndagoso has called on those who have stolen the nation’s money and kept in America or elsewhere to repent and return the funds.

    Archbishop said Nigeria is almost like a begging nation now, urging President Muhammadu Buhari to urgently address the sufferings of the people.

    Speaking with journalists in Kaduna to mark World Year of Mercy Celebration, Archbishop Ndagoso explained that, there are very clear signs that people are suffering in the country, noting that the hardship is caused by recklessness and lack of concerns for others.

    Archbishop Ndagoso said, “If the stolen funds are returned, they should be properly used to make a life worth living for Nigerians”.

    He warned that recovering looted funds only to be re-looted again would be dangerous.

    Archbishop Ndagoso stressed, “Our nation is almost like a begging nation now, because workers cannot be paid, pensioners are dying everybody is suffering and people are asking again what do we do with these people? Well again we are people of hope, for those who have stolen our wealth; I know mercy and justice go together. God is merciful and just God”.

    “Those who have stolen our money if they can bring it back, restitute it is a sign you are repentant and therefore those who stole our money and kept in America, whether they have built houses in Abuja or Kaduna or anywhere I think they should return it and if it is returned it should be properly used to make a life worth living for Nigerians and warned of the danger of recovering looted funds only to be re-looted again”.

    “For us Christians look at what happened to good thief on the cross at the very last minute that he made paradise. So the point simply is that you can never say it is over until somebody breaths his last”

    Archbishop added, “We all know what is happening in the country, even myself as Archbishop I am feeling the pinch, there are very clear signs that people are suffering in the land”.

    ENDS

  • Live up to your vows, Archbishop urges priests

    Live up to your vows, Archbishop urges priests

    The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos Archdiocese, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins   has urged Catholic Priests to ensure that the values and virtues of the church are preserved.

    He gave the address during the Chrism Mass at Saints Michael, Rapheal and Gabriel Catholic Church (Archangels’), Satellite town.

    Archbishop Martins said  Chrism Mass is an opportunity for every priest to renew their priestly vow and commitment to God while rededicating themselves to the service of God and humanity.

    “What they have renewed today should be kept afresh, and the light should shine incessantly in them, so that they shepherd the people of God in the right direction,” the Cleric stated.

    Commenting on the Easter celebration and the state of the nation, the  Archbishop said  Easter is an expression of hope and that by the grace of God, whatever is dead in mankind, will resurrect and come back alive.

    “Whatever that is old in us, can be renewed by God. It tells us that our hope in life is based on the risen Lord,” he said and urged leaders in the country to emulate the virtues of Christ and reduce the suffering of the people they serve.

    “ There is too much despondency poverty and suffering in the land, and if care is not taken to remedy the situation, the people will one day stand up and revolt because their expectations from the government  has not been met. The suffering masses expect policy implementation that will improve their living standard vigorously”

    Archbishop Martins noted that Nigeria cannot afford to go back to the era of deceit and advised leaders to work harmoniously and take responsibilities of the welfare of our people.

    The preacher of the Chrism Mass, Rev. Fr. Kanu Anthony , from, St. Vincent Catholic Church, Olodi Apapa, who is also the Executive Secretary of the Catholic Conference of Major Superiors of Nigeria, reminded the priests that they should  make up again as priests through this holy privilege provided by the universal church.

  • Live up to your vows, Catholic Archbishop urges priests

    Live up to your vows, Catholic Archbishop urges priests

    The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos Archdiocese, Most Reverend  Alfred Adewale Martins   has urged Catholic priests to ensure that the values and virtues of the church are preserved.

    He gave the address during the Chrism Mass at Saints Michael, Rapheal and Gabriel Catholic Church (Archangels’), Satellite town.

    Archbishop Martins said  Chrism Mass is an opportunity for every priest to renew their priestly vow and commitment to God while rededicating themselves to the service of God and humanity.

    “What they have renewed today should be kept afresh, and the light should shine incessantly in them, so that they shepherd the people of God in the right direction,” the Cleric stated.

    The Archbishop advised the priests never to be distracted but remain faithful to their calling.

    Commenting on the Easter celebration and the state of the nation, the  Archbishop said  Easter is an expression of hope and that by the grace of God, whatever is dead in mankind, will resurrect and come back alive.

    “Whatever that is old in us, can be renewed by God. It tells us that our hope in life is based on the risen Lord,” he said and urged leaders in the country to emulate the virtues of Christ and reduce the suffering of the people they serve.

    The Archbishop noted that Nigeria is faced with worrisome numerous challenges and there was need to ask questions, particularly to our leaders, who have responsibilities for the welfare of the masses, and the country.

    “ There is too much despondency poverty and suffering in the land, and if care is not taken to remedy the situation, the people will one day stand up and revolt because their expectations from the government  has not been met. The suffering masses expect policy implementation that will improve their living standard vigorously”

    Archbishop Martins noted that Nigeria cannot afford to go back to the era of deceit and advised leaders to work harmoniously and take responsibilities of the welfare of our people.

    The preacher of the Chrism Mass, Rev. Fr. Kanu Anthony , from, St. Vincent Catholic Church, Olodi Apapa, who is also the Executive Secretary of the Catholic Conference of Major Superiors of Nigeria, reminded the priests that they should  make up again as priests through this holy privilege provided by the universal church.

    “We must see yourselves as priest of the Most High God- and then make ourselves look at Christ as our hope of the words of God.  Let us understand that there is a strong connection between the priesthood and sacrifice we make,” he said.