By Ohanele Casca
Ahead of the planned mass rally in Mbaise land to reject the Bishop-Elect of Ahiara Catholic Diocese, a mock coffin has been stationed at the Cathedral of the Catholic Diocese on Ahiara-Ezinihitte road.
The mounting of the mock-coffin, Trumpeta learnt is to herald today’s planned mass demonstration by Mbaise Catholic faithful to reject the appointment of Awka Diocese-born, Bishop Peter Okpaleke. The coffin was however removed later.
Police and Vigilante operatives have also taken over strategic church locations with the pastoral center and Bishops residence even as youths of the host Community are threatening fire and brimstone if the Bishop designate is consecrated on May 24th 2013.
Scores of policemen and vigilante operatives were spotted at St Brigid’s Catholic Church parish, Ahiara when youths attempted to attack a Senior Cleric who came to address priests of Ahiara Diocese.
The Clerics had gathered at St Brigid for prayers when Bishops of the Province entered the premise to have an inter face on the proposed consecration of Mosignor Peter Okpaleke. The Mbaise priests reiterated their earlier resolve to reject Okpaleke adding that it was wrong to impose a non Mbaise priest as Bishop of Ahiara Diocese. A mild disagreement ensued before both parties left the scene.
The leaders and people of Nnarambia Ahiara Autonomous Community in Ahiazu Mbaise host to Ahiara Catholic Cathedral have condemned the plan by some militant groups outside Imo State to use force to install Monsgr. Peter Okpaleke, the rejected Bishop designate for Ahiara Diocese on the 21st May, 2013 at the Church Cathedral.
In a press briefing, the Traditional Prime Minister of the Community, Chief F.A Adi and Nze Laz Njoku, a member of Eze’s cabinet and the Chairman of Nnarambia Aladimma, Chief Reginald Udunze, noted that it has become imperative for the community to speak out as any breach of peace at Ahiara Diocese will take place in their land and no doubt, will have devastating effects on the peaceful lives of their people.
Chief Adi said; “we don’t want to be the proverbial grass that suffers when two elephants fight. If there is mayhem, it will affect our youth and our children. Mbaise people have said no to Monsgr Okpaleke and as Christ said in the bible when sending his disciples; go into the world and wherever they receive you stay and where you are not accepted, take even the sands of your shoes and go. Please for the interest of peace and progress of the Catholic Church in Mbaise, let Monsgr Okpaleke stay clear”, the traditional Prime Minister emphasized.
Meanwhile, the people of Nnarambia through their leaders have called on the Police, members of the Armed forces and other security agencies not to allow themselves to be used by people with selfish interest as information has it that some elements and Awka people have recruited Agueri boys to storm Mbaise on 21st May, 2013, to cause Mayhem in order to install their brother who the people of Mbaise in their entirety have rejected as Bishop. They therefore called on all parties to explore the use of dialogue to settle the matter rather than resort to force which will not solve the impasse.
