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Minister vows to sue critics of Arua Bishop
The Bishop of Arua Diocese, the Rt Rev Sabino Ocan Odoki, blesses the newly ordained priests at Christ the King Parish at the weekend. Christians had accused Bishop Odoki of mismanaging the diocese, allegations he denied. PHOTO BY FELIX WAROM OKELLO.
What you need to know:
State minister for Local Government Alex Onzima says he is ready to act against those seeking to destabilise the church.
Arua
State minister for Local Government Alex Onzima has vowed to sue anybody who attempts to talk ill of the Bishop, a nun or priest of Arua Diocese.
During the ordination of priests at Christ the King at the weekend, Mr Onzima said he was ready to act against those seeking to destabilise the church. “Last year was a chaotic one for Arua Diocese and we should pray that we stabilise. Should any person, in whatever position, continue to character assassinate a bishop or any priest, I as an individual, will apply the law and you will be prosecuted,” he said.
And now the minister’s remarks have raised concerns that the conflict in the diocese may never end.
Last year, the Daily Monitor ran a story of how a section of Christians and priests called for the removal of Bishop Sabino Ocan Odoki, whom they accused of mismanaging the diocese. Bishop Odoki denied the allegations. The matter also prompted the intervention of top Catholic church leadership.
At the height of the controversy, Mr Onzima wrote a notice of intention to sue to Mr Martin Andua and Mr Martin Andama, over alleged orchestration, sponsorship and preparation of various defamatory statements against Bishop Odoki.
Following Mr Onzima’s statements, the Christians, who were sued by Mr Onzima, have accused the minister of resurrecting the matter. Mr Andua said: “Our lawyers issued a response to Onzima and the bishop, and we are ready to face the petitioner in court. And the continued utterances are resurrecting this matter.”
But Bishop Odoki called for reconciliation among the Christians. Arua RDC Peter Debele, said: “I believe this ordination has reconciled us. My fellow Christians, let us reconcile. My Lord Bishop, open your door to dialogue; receive back all these people.”
