May 23, (THEWILL) – A priest at the Catholic Diocese of Gboko and governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State, Very Revd Father Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has described his suspension from the sacred ministry as a blessing, warning his followers against casting aspersions on Bishop William Avenya.
Addressing his supporters, who besieged his Makurdi residence on Saturday night, Fr Alia explained that Bishop Avenya acted in good faith and within the law that forbids a Catholic priest from participating in politics.
“I preside over healing masses in which members of the PDP, APC, Chiefs and others are in attendance. The Catholic church does not allow partisanship by priests”.
“At a point where a priest like me saw that many people are suffering death, poverty, neglect and decided to come into politics to rescue the suffering masses, the Bishop is mandated to write a letter of suspension as he did in my case”.
The APC governorship hopeful warned his followers against posting any negative comments on social media against the church or Bishop Avenya.
He expressed hope that the blessing of God would follow his political ambition, by which he hopes to liberate the people of the state from the shackles of ‘artificial poverty.’
Meanwhile, a group that identifies itself as Divine Mandate Convener for Alia, has expressed appreciation to the Catholic Bishop of Gboko Diocese and Apostolic Administrator Sede Vacante of Katsina-Ala Diocese, His Lordship, Most Revd William Amove Avenya for hearkening to the cry of the people at a time the state was in danger of collapsing.
In a statement, the Director-General, Divine Mandate Convener, Mr Emmanuel Amase, said that with the letter of suspension from the Sacred Ministry issued on 20th May 2022, the campaign team and the teaming supporters of Fr Alia for the 2023 Divine Project deemed it necessary to thank Bishop Avenya for the show of love on Fr Alia and the entire Benue State for releasing him on time for this rescue mission in the state.
“We wish to state in categorical terms and to intimate our supporters that the suspension given to our Principal, Very Revd Fr Hyacinth Iormem Alia, is a necessary procedure to follow for any priest that has taken such a bold step,” he said.
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