The Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Callistus Onaga, has removed Fr. Ejike Mbaka as the Spiritual Director of the Adoration Ministry Enugu Nigeria (AMEN).
Mbaka personally made the announcement during the Sunday mass and disclosed that the Bishop had appointed Fr Anthony Amadi as the new Spiritual Director of AMEN, to be assisted by other unnamed priests.
“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,” Fr. Mbaka had stated.
But, the new spiritual director, who was present at the Mass, was nearly mobbed by angry worshipers after the announcement by Fr. Mbaka.
The angry worshippers had already surrounded him before AMEN security personnel rushed to his rescue and guarded him to the Father’s house.
Shortly after Mbaka mentioned the new Director’s name, the worshippers started shouting “we say no”, “we say no”, “we no gree” and started carrying green leaves, thereby forcing Fr. Mbaka to quickly conclude the Mass.
Thousands of worshippers, who were excitedly over the reopening of the prayer center came from different places to worship with their spiritual director but were disappointed at the turn of events.
They were, however, 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 and bid the adherents farewell.
Bishop Onaga had closed down AMEN over the outburts by the fiery priest, Mbaka, against the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, months ago.
