It is becoming self-evident that political sanity in Imo state has almost been single-handedly sustained by a small group in our society, the Catholic clergy, who have taken upon themselves the prophetic role of a gadfly. This fact is now being acknowledged even by those who would hitherto deny it for primordial denominational antagonism.

A write-up such as this is not meant to be a hagiography, nor is it meant to fawn on any person or group, least of all, to proclaim them ‘infallible’ in all aspects. [As a matter of fact, the author has, on some occasions, taken a swipe on the Catholic clergy, pointing out ways they may not have been measuring up to their calling]. In any case, such a write-up is simply meant to commend a group that has consistently played a prophetic role in Imo politics. Society grows when people are genuinely commended for the good things they do, especially those things that would have passed unnoticed. As psychologists would affirm, this sure serves as reinforcement for the continuance of such behaviors or actions. While the Catholic clergy may not have gotten it right all the time and in all aspects, I should say, without fear of contradiction, that they have scored an incredibly high mark in terms of its prophetic role in Imo politics.

They have provided the much-needed check to the excesses of successive governments and the “high and mighty”, a role which laypeople, including bishops and pastors of other denominations, cannot broach for fear, selfishness, lack of self-control when lured with money, corruption, parochialism or sheer cronyism. The Catholic clergy have repeatedly spoken truth to power, not minding whose ox is gored. They have stepped on “giant” toes and treaded on dangerous grounds others would rather not attempt. Their celibate lifestyle is an added advantage. As it is said, a priest has basically nothing more to lose having already lost all – no wife, children or material possession he might lay absolute claim on. As I see it, he who is already on the ground fears no fall. So, like the prophets of old, he can challenge anybody or any situation without looking back. [Personally, this was about my biggest attraction to the priesthood/religious life!].

The role of the Archbishop of Owerri deserves special mention here. Those who have paid close attention to his episcopal policies these past two decades will definitely recognize that he has never lost sight of the prophetic role of the Church. None of the successive governors has found it easy with him — from the semi-dictatorship of Tanko Zubairo, through the chronic ineptitude of Udenwa, the recklessness of Ohakim to the present chameleonic Rochas. Those who attempted to buy him over with some form of lure/bait or the other repeatedly fooled themselves, as they confessed to have met a hard rock. What they may have failed to realize is that the spirit at work in him is not the usual spirit of the world, which can easily be silenced with notes of Naira. His is an incorruptible prophetic spirit; it cannot be insulted nor silenced by what ordinarily silences an average Nigerian! They are to be pitied who tried to insult him by offering “political appointments” to one of the busiest fellows in the country (as though he really needed such) — perhaps busier than the governors themselves. If they were wiser, they should have focused more on some less disciplined clergymen, likely in other denominations, who would most gleefully accept such offers, and even stoop so low as to join the ranks of their political coterie once oil is rubbed on their lips.

The Archbishop has consistently been the voice of the voiceless, oppressed Imolites. On a number of occasions, he has criticized certain anti-people policies of successive governments. Governors and corrupt politicians cringe at his feet because he really hits them where it hurts. For this, they respect him, much as some do not like him – pretty much like the biblical John the Baptist who was highly esteemed by Herod, even though he always spoke what the latter would rather not hear. To say the least, Imolites would have suffered more in the hands of politicians if we never had such a ‘John the Baptist’ figure.

Notably, he has refused to pander to partisan politics.  Ordinarily, an unscrupulous fellow would have abused the preponderance of the Catholic faith in the State, employing this in service of personal political interests. In the North, for instance, Imams and Sultans use their privileged positions to further their selfish interests. Again, I invite the reader to imagine, for a moment, what Imo would have turned into if any of these get-rich-quick pastors were to enjoy the “faith preponderance” the Archbishop is blessed with. I think we would have all been sold out from the pulpits to one political party or the other. And this would have been the undoing of an entire people!

In this respect, one cannot but applaud not only the Archbishop but also other Catholic bishops and, indeed, the entire Catholic clergy in the State, for their restraint and self-control.

From the pulpits and in their pastoral involvements, the Catholic clergy have served as a veritable vehicle of political education and conscientization in the State. This has been the case, but it came to the fore more in the 2011 general elections. [I, for one, took it upon myself to embark upon my little 'revolution' from the pulpits in my former Parish and other places I had the opportunity to speak]. A great many priests were involved in this, too! The faithful were encouraged to come out en masse to vote, as that was not only a political obligation but a religious one, too. They were taught to resist all the empty promises, artificial benevolence and Greek gifts of politicians. Priests taught their faithful to vote in the direction of their honest consciences irrespective of party or clannish affiliations. They were exhorted to abhor being exploited by politicians for political thuggery, rented crowd, violence and other base behaviours. Most importantly, they were taught to secure and safeguard their votes. The ultimate result was the victory of democracy for the first time in the State in 2011. For the first time, votes were hardly tampered with, as the people got whom they largely voted for.

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Fr Mark-Donald Ude, C.S.Sp [; +559781173676]

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