A letter has surfaced revealing how the Catholic Diocese of Gboko suspended the current governor of Benue State, Revd. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, from public ministry in 2022, over his involvement in partisan politics
NPO reports that the letter dated 20th of May, 2022, was signed by Bishop William A. AVENYA of the Catholic Diocese of Gboko & Apostolic Administrator Sede Vacante, Catholic Diocese of Katsina.
According to the letter, Alia had purchased the party forms to contest for the Office of the Governor of Benue State under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Bishop noted that the move is against the church’s law.
“I write to communicate to you the suspension of my priest, Revd. Fr. Hyacinth lormem ALIA from public ministry after series of admonitions to him Ex can, 1371, 2° CIC.
“The Mother Church does not allow her cleries to get involved in partisan politics on their own Ex can. 285, 3 CIC. You are aware that my son, your brother and your priest has purchased the party forms to contest for the Office of the Governor of Benue State under the All Progressives Congress (APC), which is totally against our vocation.
“Therefore, to respond to the spiritual and pastoral needs of the Church in the Catholic Diocese of Gboko, I have suspended him from the exercise of sacred ministry.
“This canonical suspension takes effect from the moment it is communicated to him and lasts until he ceases from contumacy.” The letter read.
Despite the suspension, Alia went on to win the 2023 gubernatorial election in Benue State under the APC platform and is currently serving as governor.