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ISD 2023: CATHOLIC CHURCH DENIES ENDORSING AKPABIO FOR SENATE

By Emma Akpabio

The leadership of the Catholic Youth Organisation of Nigeria, CYON, Ikot Ekpene Diocese, has dismissed claims of the purported endorsement of the senatorial candidate of the All Progressive Congress, APC, Chief Godswill Akpabio.

In a telephone interview with journalists on Sunday, February 19, 2023, a Chaplain of the CYON who refuted statements credited to the organization, described it as an attempt to dent the image of the Church and drag the Catholic faith into an unnecessary and avoidable political crisis.

According to the Priest, the Catholic Diocese of Ikot Ekpene under the leadership of Most Rev Dr. Camillus Umoh, in line with the doctrine of the universal Church, remains neutral as members are free to vote for candidates of their choice based on their conviction and not by inducement.

The Clergyman who hails from one of the local government areas Akpabio had neglected for 8 years as a Governor, 4 years as a senator, and 3 years as a minister, wondered how Akpabio’s media handlers could think their Principal can gather a few Priests and youth and induce them to speak on behalf of the Catholic Church.

He warned rumour mongers and purveyors of fake news to desist from such acts as the Catholic Church will not change its position on members voting based on their conviction and not because of any monetary inducement.

“The CYON has neither endorsed Senator Akpabio’s Senatorial ambition nor that of any other candidate. What took place today at the cathedral, Ifuho was a routine deanery combine of the youths, with the youth chaplains, Rev Frs Cletus Okon, Akaninyene Umoh, and even the Diocesan youth President, Mr. Samuel Ibanga in attendance. Never was Akpabio endorsed at the gathering” he stressed.

Meanwhile, a revered knight of the Catholic church who pleaded anonymity while also reacting to the purported endorsement said it was easier for a cow to go through the eye of the needle than for any of the three primary organizations of the Catholic church to endorse Akpabio’s Senatorial candidacy, citing neutrality, zoning, justice, and equity.

Describing such news as false, malicious,s, and desperation taken too far, the knight of the church recalled how Akpabio was recently ordered to drop his broom if he wants to thank God and not wave it at the altar. He however advised politicians to go about issue-based campaigns without dragging in, the name of the holy mother church.