Donald Igwegbu Takes On Fr. Mbaka Over Utterances Against Peter Obi

Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka’s Outburst on Peter Obi. My Take

I am miffed and deeply disappointed with Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka over his recent unwarranted outburst on Mr. Peter Obi; the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party.

I am one of those who stood with Fr. Mbaka in the past, especially last year when he was suspended by the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese. Given this unprovoked outburst against Mr Peter Obi, it is now clear to me that my sympathy for Fr. Mbaka over the years was largely misjudged. The scripture says that by their fruits you shall know them. I am now convinced that Fr. Ejike Mbaka needs to make peace with himself first, before making peace with Mr. Peter Obi and the diocese at large.

I fail to see how Fr. Mbaka’s misguided judgement on Mr. Peter Obi; a man reputed for his prudent lifestyle, and an advocate of fiscal responsibility, would earn the title of a ‘Stingy Man’ that shouldn’t be voted for come 2023. This is a huge disservice to our people.

We are all witnesses to the series of financial and other material donations that Mr. Peter Obi has made to the Church, schools, hospitals, organisations and individuals both within and outside Nigeria in the past.

Fr. Mbaka must sink-in that Mr. Peter Obi is a different kind of politician, a rare breed, and one who follows his innermost mind and conscience before making any donation. Mr. Obi is not the typical Nigerian politician that Fr. Mbaka is used to associating with. He does not play to the gallery and that is why everyone loves him unapologetically.

Rev. Fr. Mbaka, I believe has been praying over the years for God to enthrone a capable leader who has the fear of God to govern our nation henceforth. My honest view is that Mr. Peter Obi fits these narratives and expectations. It is therefore surprising to any sane mind why Fr. Mbaka who is supposed to be an agent of progressive change would suddenly resort to misleading his followers on the choice of a good President for our country.

Fr. Mbaka must be told in unambiguous terms that the quest to enthrone a credible president come 2023 by Nigerian Youths and the masses in general is not one that can be manipulated via falsehood, ill motivated prophesies and unwarranted vituperations from the pulpit of God, the Almighty Father.

Nigerians, particularly our young people, have suffered for so long, and are now irreversibly committed to enthroning a credible President devoid of corruption come 2023. The Nigerian youths need good governance, employments, inclusion and ergonomic leadership going forward, and no amount of misguided prophecy or unprovoked attack would change this collective decision of our people.

Fr. Mbaka should learn to control his emotions and public outbursts. He should call on the Holy Spirit to help him. As an ordained Priest, he needs to understand that a lot of people are looking up to him. Many of his fans now see him as someone who bears sustained grudges, ill conceived aggression and hatred on Mr. Peter Obi. Fr. Mbaka must be exemplary and must purge himself of this sin, character, attitude and misconduct henceforth.

I’ll conclude by urging Fr. Ejike Mbaka to apologise to Mr. Peter Obi publicly again, like he did in the past over this recent unwarranted outburst. I am not one who would normally write in this manner, but I have been moved in the spirit to pen down my position on this matter.

We are indeed in extraordinary times.

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy‬ ‭1:7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

A stitch in time they say saves nine.

Once beaten, twice shy.

Nevertheless, I’ll put Fr. Mbaka in my prayers. May God Almighty help him, amen 🙏.

Dr. Donald Ike Igwegbu BEng, MSc, CEng, CMarEng, FIMarEST, is a UK based Chartered Engineer with the UK Engineering Council, a Chartered Marine Engineer and a fellow of the Global Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology.