Peter Obi, others watch as Most Rev Antonio Filipazz ordains Bakeni as first indigenous Bishop of Maiduguri

Dozens of Catholic Bishops and Archbishops from within and outside the country, including prominent individuals on Thursday attended the official consecration of Most Rev. John Bogna Bakeni as the Auxiliary Bishop of Maiduguri Catholic Diocese in Borno state.

Also in attendance was the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, and former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi. Although he declined to speak to the press, Vanguard gathered that he was in Maiduguri purposely to grace the Ordination.


The Episcopal Ordination was also attended by Bishops of Enugu, Onitcha, Keffi, Panshin, Jalingo, Yola, Bauchi, Jos Dioceses among others.

Bakeni is a native of Shani Local Government Area and first indigenous Bishop from Borno State.

The consecration ceremony was performed by His Excellency, Most Rev. Antonio Guido Filipazz, Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria which took place at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Maiduguri.

Performing the spiritual ceremony Most Rev Filipazz charged Bakeni to use his good offices, as a Bishop ‘’to build the body of Christ for His Church to remain in the unity together with the Order of Bishops.’’

He said, the title of Bishop is one of service, not honour, and therefore, a Bishop should strive to benefit others rather than lord it over them, adding that, such is the precept of the Master: the greater should behave as the least and the ruler as the servant.

Filipazz also urged the new Bishop to preach the word in season and out of the season; reprove with all patience and sounding teaching for the benefit of Catholic family.

He said, as the Church entrusted you (Bishop Bakeni), be faithful steward, moderator, and guardian of the mysteries of Christ our Lord, and love all whom God places in your care, especially priests and deacons, your co-workers in the ministry of Christ, but also the poor and the weak, immigrants and strangers.” Filipazz stated.

He also charged the newly consecrated Bishop to guide the holy people of God in the way of salvation as a devoted father and sustain them with the help of his fellow ministers, the priests and deacons, adding that he should equally guide the faithful by remaining the repository of faith as well as incorruptible, as handed down by the Apostles and preserved in the Church everywhere and at all times.

The Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, reminded the new bishop that having been admitted into the fold, he had been entrusted with the task of bearing witness to the truth of the Gospel with the ministry of the Spirit and Justice.

Responding, Bishop Bakeni thanked all the participants for attending the ceremony and urged them to continue to pray for him, adding that since the Pope graciously nominated him as an assistant, as requesteģd by His Lordship, Most Rev. Oliver Dashe Doeme of Maiduguri Diocese, he would remain loyal to Doeme and be dedicated in the Lord’s Vine yard.

Bakeni was born on 15th March, 1975 in Kiri village of Shellang Local Government Area of Adamawa state. He was ordained a Priest on 17th August, 20o2 at St Patrick’s Cathedral Maiduguri, after which, he attended various theological studies within and outside the country before his new appointment as Auxiliary Bishop on 12th April, 2022 by His Holiness, Pope Francis.

Penguin2:
So there are Christians even in Maiduguri?

Wow!

But Tinubu urchins will be painting the picture as if everyone is Muslim up north.

Make una await electrocuting shock in the upcoming elections.

God bless President-in-Waiting Peter Obi

kokoA:
Borno has a very huge indigenous Christian population.

Penguin2:
So there are Christians even in Maiduguri?

Wow!

But Tinubu urchins will be painting the picture as if everyone is Muslim up north.

Make una await electrocuting shock in the upcoming elections.

God bless President-in-Waiting Peter Obi

Frigga13:


What’s huge ?

Where’s the huge population on the Christians based

The Northeast has Christian presence .. not huge .. and beside they’re all Arewa .. will rather deal with Fulani than IGBO Christians regarding politics

Try kaduna south and Jos metropolis

Power to the people

Penguin2:
So there are Christians even in Maiduguri?

Wow!

But Tinubu urchins will be painting the picture as if everyone is Muslim up north.

VoteObi2023:

Keep deceiving yourself.

Frigga13:
This election will clear igbos on one thing regarding to religion

Being an Igbo Catholic is different from Arewa Catholics and Christians

Obi hoping to win using Catholic and Christians as campaign base is already a failed one ..

Wetin we know...

After the 2023 we go understand better ...

Power to the people
North 2023

ogbuefi677:

Borno is at least 30% Christians.
Chibok,Biu,etc are all Christian towns.

NigerianAngelo:


A Southerner campaign for fulani. Kudos. I know it's play.

LP should be on the top right of the ballot paper. God grace your thumbprint and life hustle.

NigerianAngelo:
There are Christians everywhere, even in Katsina. Only that they don't talk.

Frigga13:


You’re in the east making assumptions carelessly on wetin you no even sure

... and believe another in town is decievimg himself

Igbos sef

Power to the people
North 2023

Frigga13:
This election will clear igbos on one thing regarding to religion

Being an Igbo Catholic is different from Arewa Catholics and Christians

Obi hoping to win using Catholic and Christians as campaign base is already a failed one ..

Wetin we know...

After the 2023 we go understand better ...

Power to the people
North 2023

Frigga13:


Obi wont win 2023

I don’t waste my time on dreams and hallucinations

You see Northerners queing for elections .. Kwankwanso telling Una that power is coming North because of unseriouness in your region and you believe igbo youths will make OBi President??

I willead his campaign in 2027 if God gives us life ..
maybe then his supporters would have learn one or two lessons from 2023

Till then
North 2023 is the reality.

PDP IS THE INCOMING