Former chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Imo State council, Ben Osuagwu, has described as un-Christian and heartless denial of Ahiara Mbaise Catholic diocese a substantive bishop, 13 years after the death of Victor Adibe Chikwe, first bishop of the diocese,
he noted that it was the first time in the history of the Church that such a thing would happen, he challenged the Catholic Church hierarchy to explain to the whole world why Mbaise nation should stay for close to two decades without a substantive bishop after the death of Chikwe.
Osuagwu, who spoke at this year’s World Communications Day celebrations, said it was unbelievable that a church that prides itself as the most universal church from Jesus Christ to St. Peter could be so negligent of the souls of its flock.
He called on Pope Francis to listen to the people of Ahiara diocese, Mbaise and give them a substantive bishop as he has done in many dioceses across the world and in Nigeria.
Osuagwu said in many dioceses whose bishops died, they were replaced with substantive bishops but in the case of Ahiara Diocese, it seemed someone somewhere who believes that he owns the Church in Nigeria and Africa will determine what happens and when.
He called on all the bishops in Nigeria to take as a matter of urgent attention to ensure Ahiara diocese gets its own substantive bishop immediately. He also appealed to the Papal Nuncio to exonerate himself by reporting adequately to Rome that one of the dioceses in his territory has been without a substantive bishop for over 13 years.
He described as shameful and unheard of that one of the most respected citizens in Igboland is being alleged to be responsible for the denial of Mbaise nation a substantive bishop.
Osuagwu is of the view that if not for the fact that Mbaise is a place deeply rooted in Christ and Catholic faith, it would have been long the churches there become empty.