The Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Callistus Onaga, has removed Fr Ejike Mbaka as the spiritual director of the Adoration Ministries, Enugu, Nigeria (AMEN).
Mbaka personally made the announcement during the Sunday Mass and disclosed that the bishop had appointed Fr Anthony Amadi as his successor and would be assisted by other priests, who he did not disclose.
“So, while I proceed to the monastery to continue with the remaining disciplinary exercises, as directed; I wouldn’t know how long; but the church has appointed Fr Anthony Amadi, one of us, to be overseeing all affairs of the ministry, to be assisted by other priests, pending my return, by the grace of God,” Mbaka stated.
The former AMEN spiritual director had disclosed earlier that the ministry had not fully opened, pointing out that some programmes including the weekly Friday all-night adoration remained suspended till further notice.
“Our Sunday Masses and Wednesdays’ ‘E No Dey Again’ programmes would continue, while others such as Friday all-night adoration remains suspended,” he stated.
But, the new spiritual director, who was present at the Mass, was nearly mobbed by angry worshippers after the announcement.
The angry worshippers had already surrounded him before AMEN security personnel rushed to his rescue and guided him to the Father’s House.
After Mbaka mentioned the new priest, the worshippers started shouting: “We say no, we say no,” “We no gree” (we won’t accept).
They proceeded to carry green leaves, thereby forcing Fr Mbaka to quickly conclude the Mass.
Thousands of worshippers, who were excited over the reopening of the prayer centre came from different places to worship with their spiritual director but were disappointed. They were left dejected following the latest development.
It was gathered that Fr Mbaka was only allowed to celebrate Mass at the centre so that he would personally make the announcement.
Bishop Onaga banned AMEN over comments made by the fiery priest on the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi.
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