President Muhammadu Buhari has praised the "extraordinary intrepidity" and "remarkable patriotism" of Catholic Priest, Fr. Ejike Mbaka of the Enugu Adoration Centre.
President Buhari issued the tribute in recognition of Mbaka's 20th anniversary of priesthood.
In a statement issued on his behalf by a Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, Buhari said Fr. Mbaka was a great priest who was not afraid to speak the truth to power, even at the cost of his own life or being hated by leaders in power.
According to Buhari, Mbaka was a remarkable example that religious leaders are the conscience and moral compass of the society. He said Mbaka 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.
Buhari 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."
The president said "though honest opinions attract hostility from leaders detached from reality," history would be kind to Fr. Mbaka for courageously speaking truth to power, even at great risks.
President Buhari, who said he was "overwhelmed by Mbaka's sincerity and patriotism" prayed to God to grant the priest good health, long life and wisdom in the service of humanity, adding that he is a fountain of inspiration to all Nigerians.
President Buhari issued the tribute in recognition of Mbaka's 20th anniversary of priesthood.
In a statement issued on his behalf by a Senior Special Assistant on Media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, Buhari said Fr. Mbaka was a great priest who was not afraid to speak the truth to power, even at the cost of his own life or being hated by leaders in power.
According to Buhari, Mbaka was a remarkable example that religious leaders are the conscience and moral compass of the society. He said Mbaka 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.
Buhari 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."
The president said "though honest opinions attract hostility from leaders detached from reality," history would be kind to Fr. Mbaka for courageously speaking truth to power, even at great risks.
President Buhari, who said he was "overwhelmed by Mbaka's sincerity and patriotism" prayed to God to grant the priest good health, long life and wisdom in the service of humanity, adding that he is a fountain of inspiration to all Nigerians.
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