Catholic priest and founder of Adoration Ministry, Enugu, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, has alleged that the abduction of 46 schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State is part of a political plot by some actors to remove President Bola Tinubu from office, in a manner similar to what he claimed happened to former President Goodluck Jonathan ahead of the 2015 general election.
Mbaka made the allegation in a viral video of a recent sermon, where he called on authorities in Oyo State to take responsibility for addressing the worsening security situation.
The cleric compared the incident to the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls abduction, insisting it was part of a recurring political strategy aimed at influencing public opinion against sitting governments ahead of elections.
“That was what they did against Jonathan. They have started it again. Let Nigerians not be deceived. It is a satanic political agenda. Putting panic in the country so that everybody will say the president should go,” Mbaka stated.
He urged Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to act decisively on security matters, while arguing that responsibility for insecurity should not be shifted entirely to the federal government.
“Governor Makinde wake up. Let Nigerians march to Oyo State. There is a governor there. We should hold Tinubu responsible if he is owing security votes of state,” he said.
“If they want to overthrow Tinubu, it is not by kidnapping our children. So that the whole Nigeria will be angry against the president,” he added.
Mbaka’s comments have reignited public debate over his past political interventions, particularly during the build-up to the 2015 general election, when he openly called for “change” and criticised the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
LEADERSHIP recalls that in a widely publicised New Year message before the 2015 polls, Mbaka urged Nigerians to embrace political change, saying the country required a new direction.
“By the grace of God, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we are announcing spiritually, change! 2015 should not be a year of any hooligan maneuvering to hijack power,” he said.
He further criticised the Jonathan administration, arguing that Nigerians’ expectations in key sectors such as power, employment, education, and economic development had not been met.
“By the grace of God, there emerged a Goodluck, all of us were happy… Where are we going? What is the fate of this country? We need change,” he added.
