From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
The sacked Rector of Methodist Theological Institute (MTI) Umuahia, Abia State, Very Rev. Uchenna Ugorie has petitioned the Prelate, Methodist Church Nigeria, Most Rev. Oliver Ali-Abba, over his alleged unjust removal from office, saying his hands are clean and appealed for his reinstatement.
In the petition which was routed through the Secretary of Conference, Rt.Rev. Babatunde Abiodun Taiwo, Rev. Ugorie said on June 20, he received a letter from the Conference, directing him to proceed on compulsory leave as the Rector of MTI.
Rev Ugorie said there was no official complaint against him brought by the Church prior to his sudden removal.
Ugorie who spoke to journalists in Umuahia, added that on July 22, he was informed through a WhatsApp message that a panel had been set up by the Prelate of Methodist Church Nigeria to investigate his activities at MTI.
He said he was never indicted by the said panel, expressing surprise that a social media report claimed that he was found guilty of managerial and financial incompetence, even when the outcome of the panel’s findings had not been made public till date.
The priest lamented that he was also accused of admitting an epileptic student into the institute and was asked to deny the student the chance to graduate because of his condition, which he said, he refused.
Ugorie alleged that his family now lives inside a classroom at Umuchime Ossah Umuahia, following his abrupt removal as the Rector of MTI and subsequent ejection from the school quarters. He accused some top-ranking persons in the church of being responsible for his predicament.
Ugorie who said his 5-year tenure was yet to elapse, called for his reinstatement.