President Buhari hails Father Mbaka on 20-year priesthood and the fearless priest has a message for him(Read)

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday showered encomium on Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka of the Adoration Centre on the occasion of his 20th year of priesthood.

In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the President commended the cleric for what he described as his “extraordinary intrepidity and remarkable patriotism.”

He described Mbaka as a great priest who is not afraid to speak truth, even at the cost of his own life or being hated by those in power.

He said the priest is a remarkable example that religious leaders are the conscience and moral compass of the society.

He said Mbaka rose to the occasion to add his voice in support of good governance and identify with ordinary Nigerians in the face of despair and uncertain future.

“Though honest opinions attract hostility from leaders detached from reality, history would be kind to Father Mbaka for courageously speaking truth to power, even at great risks,” the statement said.

Buhari, who said he was overwhelmed by Mbaka’s sincerity and patriotism, prayed to God to grant the priest more good health, long life and wisdom in the service of humanity.

In a related development, Fiery Enugu cleric, the Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, yesterday celebrated his 20th priestly anniversary, praying God to shield President Muhammadu Buhari from evil men. This is also as he described the 20th anniversary as a celebration of victory over enemies of truth and blackmailers. Speaking at the Christ the King Parish, Enugu, during his 20th anniversary mass, attended by thousands of worshipers, including the wife of the Enugu State Governor, Mrs. Monica Ugwuanyi, the cleric said despite all the attacks against him, God had continued to protect him because he remained on the side of the truth. He declared: “I am not tired after 20 years- 20 years of good health; 20 years of miracles from God; 20 years of hard apostolic work; 20 years in the hand of God. “There was a time they blackmailed me; they were saying such things like ‘Mbaka why? Mbaka this, Mbaka that’; but I have remained in the hand of God”. He, however, said he had forgiven his attackers, praying God to “forgive all those who have fought us on the course of this ministry and bless those who have stood behind us”. In a special message entitled “20-point agenda”, Fr. Mbaka said he was praying for President Buhari “that God will protect him so that enemies will not destroy him. I also pray for Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi so that God will not allow occultic men to steal his vision”. In a brief chat with journalists, the spokesman of the ministry, Barr. Maximus Ugwuoke said blackmail and unnecessary criticisms had rather strengthened the cleric. According to him, “those who are saying he should stay out of politics are misguided. It is part of the role of priests. So, they are merely trying to cow him down but I can tell you that Fr. Mbaka is not somebody to be intimidated; the more they do this, the more he is strengthened. “In this past years, you can see how God has vindicated him; you can see his prophetic message before the general election; at a time, he was repeating that prophesy even in the face of threat to his life. So, today, we are celebrating victory against enemies of truth”.