Church Members Accuse Priest Of Corruption

The age-long crisis rocking the Sapele Anglican Diocese in Delta State on Friday assumed a frightening dimension as members of the church insisted on the removal of Bishop Blessing Erifeta.

Last weekend, soldiers attached to the pipeline facilities in Sapele were alleged to have injured some protesting women and youths of the church, calling on Erifeta to step down on the ground of alleged corruption, maladministration and high-handedness.

Two women said to have been injured by the JTF were reported to have been in a critical state of health at the Sapele Central Hospital.

But in a swift reaction, the JTF Commander in the area, Lt. Mohammed Idris, said the allegation of injuring the protesters was untrue, adding that they moved into the scene to maintain law and order.

Meanwhile, on Friday, protesters were seen carrying placards on the premises of Saint John Anglican Church.”

Some members of the diocese who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity said the quarrel with Bishop Eriefeta was informed by his alleged high-handedness and corrupt practices, insisting that unless he steps aside peace might not reign.

Mr. Smart Umukoro and Chief Unukegwo Onome, who also spoke to our correspondent, said the protest would not stop until the Bishop is removed or transferred to other area by the Primate, adding that they were ready to forcefully throw him out.

Ereifeta described the allegations against him as untrue, stating that the protesters were doing that based on political and selfish interests.