The Catholic Diocese of Nsukka has strongly criticized Mr. Reuben Onyishi, Senior Special Assistant to Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, over what it described as an attempt to politicize remarks made by the Bishop of Nsukka concerning the demolition of shops at Ogige Market.

The Diocese reaffirmed its non-partisan stance, stressing that the Catholic Church does not engage in party politics and remains committed to its mission of pastoral care and the protection of human dignity.

In a statement issued by the Director of Communications of the Diocese, Fr. Emmanuel I. Asadu, the Church expressed disappointment over Onyishi’s comments, accusing him of unnecessarily dragging the Bishop into a political controversy.

According to the Diocese, the Bishop made the remarks during the funeral of catechist John Attah, who reportedly died after suffering a stroke linked to the emotional and financial hardship that followed the demolition of his shop and those belonging to other members of his family at Ogige Market, Nsukka.

The Church explained that the Bishop’s message was delivered in the course of his pastoral duties and was intended to address the plight and suffering of affected residents, rather than serve as a political statement or campaign message.

The Diocese described it as misleading and unfair to interpret a funeral homily as a political event, insisting that the Bishop merely fulfilled his responsibility as a spiritual leader by speaking out against injustice and human suffering.

It maintained that the Church has a moral obligation to raise its voice whenever the welfare and livelihoods of citizens are threatened, regardless of who is responsible. The statement emphasized that when people lose their means of survival without clear and adequate resettlement arrangements, it is only natural for the Church to advocate for compassion and justice.

The Diocese further stated that Governor Peter Mbah is not known for promoting intimidation or blackmail in politics and urged his aides to avoid such approaches in their public engagements.

It warned against attempts to distort facts for political advantage, noting that no amount of political rhetoric can erase the experiences of those whose businesses and livelihoods were affected by the market demolition.

Reaffirming its commitment to the people, the Diocese pledged to continue standing with residents while also guiding public office holders through its pastoral mission, insisting that speaking truth to power remains an essential responsibility of the Church.