Why Fr Mbaka Was Transferred—Catholic Church

The last may not be heard regarding the recently transfer of controversial Catholic priest, Fr Ejike Mbaka, from his former base in Enugu State to another parish in the same state.

Shortly after the man of God was move from his Christ the King Parish, where he has been for many years, the All Progressives Congress, APC, alleged that some external forces influenced the process.

Also, in his remarks while packing out of his luxurious place of abode for several years, Fr Mbaka said he was transferred to another place to suffer.

But Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Rev. Ralph Madu, said Mbaka was moved to Emene, his new station, to make him more useful in his service.

“‎Mbaka’s transfer is not an exception; the Bishop has the right to post any priest wherever he feels his service would be more useful to the church,” Madu said.

“His posting should have been a privilege, not a punishment which the Bishop can do because he has the power. If he says it’s a punishment, then it’s open for further investigation. Posting is a regular thing, a priest can be transferred after two, three, four, or more years. It depends on the discretion of the Bishop.

“That ministry (Adoration Ministry) is his private ministry. It does not belong to the church. Overseeing a parish is a full time job. Overseeing a ministry is a bigger task. If the church decides to take him somewhere where he’ll have more time to carry out his ministry, how is it punitive? That should not be the language,” he added.

Madu further explained that Mbaka had in the past done things that were unacceptable to the church, but was never punished.

“He is supposed to be a missionary. What if the Bishop had closed down the ministry, which is within his power to do? Sometimes, transfers can be for the good of the priest as something can be going wrong which he might not be aware of. The Bishop is free to move any priest at any time, it is his prerogative,” he emphasised.

Mbaka was among the 1000 priest affected by the routine reshuffling.