Mbaka spoke his opinion, not from Holy Spirit, say Southern Christian Elders

THE Southern Nigeria Christian Elders’ Forum ( SOCEF) on Sunday faulted the “prophetic message” of Enugu Catholic Priest, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, concerning President Goodluck Jonathan.

Addressing journalists shortly after their meeting in Enugu, the Forum said Fr. Mbaka’s message was merely his personal opinion and not from the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

The meeting was attended by Archbishops, Bishops and other Christian leaders from the South-West, South-South and the South-East, including Most Rev. A.N.C Anikwenwa, Bishop Dr. Peter Ogumuyiwa, Most Rev. Caleb Maduoma, Rev. Dr. Felix Ekiye, among others.

The Chairman of the Forum, Bishop David Eberechukwu, speaking for the group said that would not be the first time   Mbaka would be making such claims.

“In 2003, he said that then Governor Chimaroke Nnamani would not get re-election and that if that happens, he would remove his cassock; indeed, Chimaroke was re-elected and up till today, he has not removed his cassock.

“So, his message is just a personal opinion; it didn’t come from the impulse of the Holy Spirit”, he maintained.

In a 10-point communique issued by the Forum and read by Bishop Eberechukwu, the group stated that for the sake of equity and fairness, President Goodluck Jonathan should be allowed to complete a second tenure on behalf of the South-South zone.

“We note that the South-West zone has occupied the seat of the presidency of this country for eight years, from 1999-2007. It was on the basis of principle of rotation that the next President of the Federal Republic came from the North-West. If the cold hands of death had not taken him away fromus, that occupant of the presidency from the North-West would have

been elected for a second term.

“In the light of the above, it is our considered view and advice of the Southern Nigeria ChristianElders’ Forum, SOCEF, as Christians and citizens of this country,that the South-South should be given the same opportunity of a second term- therein lies political equity, accommodation and

stability”.

 Speaking on the need for stronger ties among the states in the zone, the Forum urged the governors of the states in  Southern Nigeria “to revitalize the Southern Nigeria Governors’ Forum for the sake of political co-operation and development”.

 SOCEF further expressed concern over the plight of Christians in the Northern Nigeria as well as “the unprecedented challenges the nation faces as a result of the Boko Haram insurgency in the Northern parts of the country and the political tension in Nigeria as a result of the forthcoming

Elections .

 “We note with dismay and deep sorrow the plight of our Christian brethren in the Northern parts of Nigeria, the relentless siege and persecution against them as a result of their faith, and urge all forces, Federal, State and Local Government Areas, well meaning leaders- local and international to

come to the aid of our Christian brethren in the North.

“We caution politicians, who in their desperation for electoral gains, make reckless and provocative utterances capable of over-heating the polity”.