“Your Excellency, I wish to respectfully decline this award. I am barely one year in office. I am still struggling to fit into the high demands of the ecclesiastical office of the Bishop,” the Nigerian Catholic Bishop who has been at the helm of Abakaliki Diocese since his Episcopal Ordination in August 2021 says.
He explains, “I feel that I have not achieved much as to deserve an award. If I may suggest, I would rather wish that this award be bestowed on my predecessor, Most Rev. Michael Nnachi Okoro, for his long and meritorious service to God and humanity.”
Instead of giving him an award, Bishop Nworie says he prefers that Governor Umahi kicks off “actions that would facilitate the termination of murder and sundry charges against my priest, Rev. Fr. Timothy Ngwuta.”
In April last year, the leadership of Abakaliki Diocese decried the wrongful arrest of Fr. Ngwuta who had been accused of multiple crimes.
Fr. Ngwuta was reportedly arrested in December 2021 at Ebonyi Local Government Area where he went to help his friend, Jude Ariom, retrieve a vehicle that was parked there.
In a statement shared with ACI Africa, the Chancellor of Abakaliki Diocese, Fr. Matthew Uzoma Opoke, said that since he was arrested, “Fr. Ngwuta has been in and out of court and is now facing charges of what has ‘metamorphosed’ to kidnapping and murder as well as an attack on and murder of police officers.”
The Priest was released in May last year on bail after several months in detention.
In his message declining the State award, Bishop Nworie assures the Nigerian Governor of his prayers as he runs the affairs of Ebonyi State.
“Accept Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest esteem and regards as you pilot the affairs of the State,” the 57-year-old Catholic Bishop tells Governor Umahi, and adds, “Be assured of my constant prayers for you, your government, and the good people of our dear State.”
Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.
