An open letter to Archbishop A.J.V Obinna

International Liaison of Mbaise Indigenes (ILMI)
112 South Munn Avenue
East Orange, New Jersey 07018
U.S.A.
August 25, 2010

His Grace
The archbishop of Owerri Diocese
Rt. Rev. Dr. A. Obinna
Archbishop’s House, Owerri
Imo State, Nigeria.

Your Grace,
I have been mandated by the International Liaison of Mbaise Indigenes; the ILMI, to write you this letter on our behalf. Our association, with headquarters in the United States of America, is comprised of Mbaise indigenes living abroad in different parts of the world with a mission to speak with one voice on matters that affect the entire Mbaise community.
We, the members of ILMI, wish to condemn in the strongest possible terms the recent maltreatment and humiliation of a Roman Catholic Priest by the Ohakim administration and to express our solidarity with you and the entire Catholic community. We believe our expressions also represent those of the voiceless but well-meaning and civilized citizens of Imo State who are struggling against bad governance and state intimidation. Mbaise community has a tradition of strong fellowship with Christianity especially the Catholic Church and whatever hurts the Church hurts us, as well.
A sitting governor along with his (or her) administration is expected to work for the benefit, security and interest of the people. Instead, we are witnessing a systematic dehumanization of innocent citizens and brazen rape of justice. Our people have a saying that ‘deity, no matter how small, is carried with two hands’. A duly ordained Priest of minister of the Church should be accorded some dignity and respect regardless of his stature or level of authority.
We are embarrassed, dismayed and outraged by the action of the Ohakim administration. We are made to understand that the governor has already apologized to you for this unfortunate incident. If that is the case, it is an act in the right direction. However, the only way such an apology will become effective is for this administration to establish immediate guidelines for the prevention of such incidents in the future. To show that he sincerely means his apology, the governor should show remorse, as well, by replacing the Priest’s vehicle that was vandalized by his government.
We refuse to stand by, fold our arms and allow anybody to trample on the dignity and freedom of the citizenry.
Sincerely yours in Christ,

Dr. Charles O. Uzoaru, M.D.
(President, ILMI).