NSUKKA CATHOLIC DIOCESE: WHO ARE YOU WORKING FOR?By Cele Okanya

NSUKKA CATHOLIC DIOCESE: WHO ARE YOU WORKING FOR? 

The principle of separation of church and state is a well-established concept. The government is required to make no law respecting or prohibiting the free exercise of religion.

It has been observed that the Catholic Church under Bishop Godfrey Igwebuike Onah of Nsukka DIOCESE has got her hands stained with the oil of politics. The Bishop got deeply involved in the current government of Enugu State through his direct appointment and committee roles. There is this saying that if you need a government appointment in Enugu State and you are from Nsukka, talk to The Bishop.

I am shocked that the church is now becoming a tool at the disposal of the government to deny the citizens and church members the rights to church activities. Thanksgiving is a religious exercise that we learned from Abraham and not a political gathering. A Thanksgiving mass and reception scheduled for Sunday, May 16, 2021 at St Theresa's Catholic Church, Nsukka is now under threat because the government is not comfortable with the event.

 The Executive Chairman of Nsukka LGA sent letters out placing a ban on all events in Nsukka Local Government Area. He used the excuses of Covid 19. The updated covid protocol did not place a total ban on gathering. The Executive Chairman is advised to get a copy of the guideline published May 10, 2021, by the Presidential Steering Committee.

Here are the facts:

1. The Thanksgiving taking place is organized by a catholic faithful, Nsukka citizen and has both constitutional and religious right to do so.

2. Should the government of Nsukka LGA be concerned about the spread of Covid, they should be asking the church for compliance to the approved covid protocol as updated on May 10, 2021, and not a ban on religious activity.

3. Why single out Nsukka LGA for this directives and total ban? Why single out the venue of this Thanksgiving by directly or indirectly putting pressure on the Parish Priest in charge to cancel a religious activity?

4. The Presidential Steering committee on covid - 19 on May 10, 2021, released guidelines for the phased restriction of movement. It recommended a maximum of 50 people in enclosed spaces for weddings, funerals, etc provided social distancing is observed, temperature checks at the entry points, and wearing of face masks. The number is not restricted in open spaces provided spacing and face masks are used. 

Here is what the Chairman of Nsukka LGA is NOT telling the good people of Nsukka. He is under pressure from his Principal to stop Thanksgiving from being organized because it is speculated that Professor Ike Ekweremadu may attend. How can a government be so scared of a law-abiding citizen, a serving Senator with a long history of great service to Enugu State? What kind of politics is this? 

My advice to the church is that she should not allow her already battered image to be dragged into the political mud by drowning politicians. Insist on observing the FGN updated covid-19 phased restriction guideline.

The Bishop should know that the good people of Enugu are taking note of the church's interferences in politics. Church members may belong to a political party but the church must remain apolitical in all its dealings. I hope that the church will not fall into this ugly pit.

© Cele Okanya

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