OWERRI—The people of Nnarambia, Mbiase, Imo State, have raised alarm over alleged plot to use security personnel to install new Bishop of Ahiara Catholic Diocese, Monsignor Peter Okpaleke, whose appointment as priest was rejected on the grounds that the appointee was not of their ethnic stock.
They are also canvassing dialogue as the rift between the Papacy and priests of Ahiara Catholic Diocese takes a dangerous dimension.
Although the people said at press time they had no concrete evidence to back the alleged engagement of security personnel for the installation, they, however, cautioned against adopting such a dangerous option.
“We have decided to speak out so that whosoever is contemplating such a dangerous action will understand the consequences and give it up,” the people said in a statement signed by Chairman of the community, Aladinma Nnarambia, and three others.
Reminding the feuding parties that Nnarambia was playing host to the Cathedral of Ahiara Diocese, the people also reasoned that any confrontation between security forces and demonstrators will take place on their soil.
Vanguard recalls that barring any unforeseen circumstance, priests and laity faithful will today embark on a peaceful demonstration against what they described as imposition of Monsignor Peter Okpalaeke on the people as Bishop of Ahiara Diocese.
“We are Christians and peace loving community and abhor the use of force in solving family disputes. There is no alternative to dialogue. The God we serve preaches peace and not war,” Nnarambia people advised.
They said the church and its priests at Ahiara Diocese should continue to explore dialogue and other peaceful means until a solution was found to the selection of a bishop for the Diocese.
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