The Catholic Diocese of Nsukka has distanced itself from partisan politics, insisting that comments made by the Bishop of Nsukka, regarding the demolition of shops at Ogige Market, were part of his pastoral duty and not a political statement.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Director of Communications of the Diocese, Fr Emmanuel Asadu, the Church accused Mr Reuben Onyishi, Senior Special Assistant to Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, of dragging the Bishop into a political controversy.
According to the Diocese, the Bishop spoke while attending the burial of catechist John Attah, who reportedly died after battling a stroke following the demolition of his shop and those of other members of his family at Ogige Market, Nsukka.
The Diocese said the Bishop’s remarks were aimed at addressing the suffering of affected residents and should not be interpreted as political campaigning.
“The duty of a shepherd is to speak against injustice and the suffering of the people, whether the action comes from a friend, an ally, or a stranger,” the statement said.
The Church maintained that it would continue to speak out whenever people’s livelihoods are threatened, stressing that raising concerns over the demolition and the welfare of affected traders falls within its moral and pastoral responsibilities.
The Diocese also urged Onyishi and other government officials to avoid what it described as attempts to politicise the Bishop’s message, adding that no amount of political rhetoric could erase the experiences of those affected by the demolition.
It further stated that Governor Peter Mbah is not known for intimidation or blackmail and called on his aides to refrain from tactics that could be perceived as efforts to suppress criticism.
The Diocese reaffirmed its commitment to standing with the people and guiding public office holders through moral counsel, insisting that its mission remains the pastoral care of souls and the defence of human dignity.
