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By Ugoh Sam-Okobi
The article on ‘Why is Anokwuru Christian Uche still parading himself as a priest of the Catholic Church?,’ which was published in the social media a few days ago, was apparently ill-conceived, resentful and smacks of an attempt in pursuit of a personal vendetta by the author.
It was arguably far from addressing any meaningful issues of significant public interest. Rather, it was scripted to embarrass and bring Anokwuru to public scrutiny but it has proved to be an effort in futility and amounts to no moment.
As one close to Anokwuru, I’m aware that his decision to quit the priesthood, following his suspension in November 2025, became inevitable after he had exhausted all efforts to sort out the issues without success.
But truth be told that he accepted his suspension with grace and equanimity and immediately relinquished all his priestly and official duties. He withdrew from officiating mass and stepped aside as the Provost of the Madonna College of Health Technology, Olokoro, near Umuahia. He also vacated the Provost’s official quarters and, above all, ceased to address himself as a Reverend Father.
For many, who also know Anokwuru closely, his calm reaction to his suspension was not only disarming but also portrayed him largely as a slave to the policies and doctrines of the Church.
And back to Kingsley Uzoma’s ill-motivated writeup, one wonders how he wants to live his life and also detect how Anokwuru should live his own life outside priesthood, particularly now that he has resigned from priesthood.
Given his well-nurtured, principled and disciplined background, no one, except Uzoma, would expect Anokwuru to remain single, thus being vulnerable and exposed to promiscuity.
It is absolutely normal, justifiable and truly commendable, if he has chosen to hookup with a helpmate to spend the rest of his life with. It gladdens people’s heart, therefore, that he had mustered the boldness to put the past behind him and move on with life.
The viral video showing the moment he was introducing his new found heartrob to Gov. Alex Otti is indicative that any moment soon, he would be walking down the isle to tie the nuptial knot.
Indeed, this is what his aged mother, siblings and other close relations and acquaintances would desire for him now that he is no longer tied to the apron strings of the Catholic doctrines and oath of celibacy. His mother and siblings are also expectant that he will sooner than later produce his own nuclear family. He is absolutely free to live life to its fullest outside the priesthood.
Anokwuru owes no apologies to Uzoma and his ilk for courageously taking a finite decision about his future. Neither does he owe anybody, including Uzoma, any explanations for allegedly being addressed as a “Rev. Fr. of the Catholic Church” by Gov. Alex Otti at a public event outside the shores of Nigeria.
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Would Uzoma have expected him to hush down or openly challenge the governor for addressing him as “Rev. Fr.”, so as not to be seen as parading himself as a priest?
As a man of strong conviction and principle, who knows what he wants in life, he already knew the implication of his action and what quitting the priesthood portends for him. And, of course, he has no regrets for his decision and action.
And to ensure that he left no one in doubt about his present status, he decided to take a space in the national media to publicly announce his resignation and change of title from “Rev. Fr. Christian Uche Anokwuru” to “Dr Christian Uche Anokwuru”. The publication is still available in the media space for whoever cares to verify.
A man that chose to toe such a logical and conclusive path to escalate his resignation beyond borders cannot be accused of “parading himself as a priest of the Catholic Church”, ostensibly for unmerited favours, according to Kingsley Uzoma.
As a man of proven integrity, he cannot approbate and reprobate at the same time. He couldn’t have resigned his priesthood and turn around to also parade himself as a priest, at the same time too.
As a holder of Doctor of Philosophy in Theology and being a Special Adviser to the Abia State Governor on Policy and Intervention, Anokwuru has earned for himself, through determination and hardwork, a highly esteemed status that can always open door and attract favours to him any time, anywhere in Nigeria and across the globe. And to further introduce himself as an ex-priest of the Catholic Church would certainly mean an icing on the cake for him.
It suffices to posit at this juncture that though he has ceased to perform the functions of an ordained priest, Anokwuru remains a priest for life. This is incontrovertible and a common Canon principle!
In his characteristic calm, gentle and unassuming demeanour, Anokwuru says he accepts everything that comes his way in life, including his suspension and concomitant resignation after 18 years of his priestly ordination, as an act of providence.
Finally, let me submit that it is gratifying that he was not sacked, and neither did he resign nor was forced to resign for any opprobrious and scandalous reason. And, interestingly, he remains a proud, ardent and uncompromising Catholic faithful.
• Ugoh Sam-Okobi is an Umuahia-based Public Affairs analyst.
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