By Valentine Obienyem
This morning, I made a post about the contradictions in Onye Eze’s actions and utterances. Let me quote it verbatim: “When I saw him limping that day, I asked myself, Does the Pool of Bethesda he recreated not work for him?” I asked this question because, since the law stopped him from going to public bodies of water, he created a pool in his shrine and advertised that it cures any disease, real or imaginary. Why did it not cure him of that limp?
Expectedly, some comments diverted from the real issue to ask for my views on the trending picture of a Reverend Father who allegedly assaulted a teacher. May I take this opportunity to comment on that? Due to the conflicting reports, I reached out to the Catholic hierarchy in the state. I was informed that they have commenced investigations and that I would be briefed once they reach a conclusion, which is expected to be swift.
When I comment on individuals like Akwa, some pastor/rev-impostors, and Onye Eze (I deliberately avoid adding Jesus to his name, as I view that as desecration), it is because I have observed them closely, particularly those who frequently expose themselves on social media, thereby providing ample material for evaluation. In the case of the Reverend Father, any discerning adult with experience in dealing with people would not base their conclusions on a one-sided story, which is what Fr. Theo Ekwem tried to convey. However, those who were quick to remind him that he was biased because his fellow priest was involved in the issue missed the point. The truth is that Fr. Theo is correct.
The emotional outbursts by people, many of whom seized the opportunity to criticise the Church, reminded me of an angry passage in Seneca’s Essay on Anger (De Ira), where he wrote extensively about the dangers of passing rash judgments without a fair hearing. He warned that anger leads to hasty, irrational actions and clouds judgment. He believed that an angry person acts without proper reasoning, often making decisions they later regret. Seneca argued that a wise person should remain calm and deliberate before taking action. Instead of reacting impulsively, he advised practising patience, self-control, rational reflection, and listening to all sides. Most of the comments were anger-induced.
May I join Fr. Theo in advising that we hear the other side? If, at the end, it is proved that the Reverend Father actually flogged her, even if the woman was wrong, I shall join in condemning him. I say this fully confident that if the Diocese arrives at the same conclusion, the Reverend Father would be blamed for losing his composure, even if the entire circumstances confine his failing to a mere peccadillo.
My Auxiliary back in the day, the man who fascinated me with his intelligence, Fr. Collins Okeke, would often tell us in the Seminary that some actions cannot be justified by the philosophy of human frailties. Not because of the acts themselves, but because of both the act and the actor.
Priests are a special breed and cannot be excused when they indulge in behaviours that others might ordinarily engage in. This is part of the priestly cross. Their vocation demands a higher standard, as they are entrusted with guiding others through example, and any lapse on their part can undermine the trust placed in them by the faithful. It is not merely about personal shortcomings, but about the responsibility they bear as spiritual leaders. Therefore, they must exercise greater self-discipline and accountability, knowing that their actions are always under scrutiny.
Do you need further clarification? For example, if you and I pass through Abakaliki Street at midnight, it would not be news. However, if a Reverend Father passes through an adjoining street to Abakaliki at the same time, even if he is going for a sick call, tongues will wag.
We are waiting!
