Nsukka's Catholic Diocese has rejected claims that its bishop waded into politics over the Ogige Market demolition row. Church officials said the bishop's comments were pastoral duty, not political grandstanding.
Fr Emmanuel Asadu, the diocesan communications director, issued the statement on Thursday. He accused Reuben Onyishi, the governor's senior special assistant, of dragging the church into unnecessary controversy.
The bishop spoke at the funeral of catechist John Attah last week. Attah died following a stroke after traders lost their shops in the market demolition.
According to the diocese, the bishop addressed the suffering of affected families. His words weren't meant as political ammunition, officials insisted.
"A shepherd must speak against injustice and people's suffering," the statement read. It didn't matter who caused the harm—friend or foe.
The church said it would always defend traders whose livelihoods face threats. Such concerns fall squarely within its moral and spiritual responsibilities.
Diocese officials took aim at Onyishi's response to the bishop's remarks. They warned against attempts to politicize genuine concerns about human welfare.
Political talk won't undo what demolition victims endured, the diocese added. Their pain remains real regardless of who tries to spin the narrative.
Church leaders praised Governor Peter Mbah's character and integrity. They urged his aides to stop using heavy-handed tactics against critics.
Suppressing legitimate voices serves no one, according to the statement. Officials shouldn't weaponize their positions to silence moral voices.
Nsukka Diocese reaffirmed its commitment to standing with ordinary citizens. The church's mission is pastoral care and defending human dignity, it concluded.
