President Buhari Hails Rev. Fr. Mbaka

On Thursday, President Muhammadu Buhari, congratulated Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka of the Adoration Centre in celebration of his 20th year of priesthood.

In a statement issued by Presidential Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the President commended the cleric for his ''extraordinary intrepidity and remarkable patriotism''.

The statement said, ''Father Mbaka is a great priest who was not afraid to speak truth to power, even at the cost of his own life or being hated by leaders in power. Mbaka was a remarkable example that religious leaders are the conscience and moral compass of the society.”

The statement further stated that the priest “rose to the occasion to add his voice in support of good governance and identify with ordinary Nigerians in the face of despair and uncertain future.” It also explained that adding “one’s voice to make one’s country better has nothing to do with politics”, and that as the “conscience of the nation”, religious leaders cannot afford to be aloof or indifferent to the miseries of the people.”

According to the statement, President said “though honest opinions attract hostility from leaders detached from reality”, history would be kind to Father Mbaka for courageously speaking truth to power, even at great risks.