BY: GREG ONWUDIWE
Following rumours that the Archbishop of Owerri Catholic Diocese, Archbishop Anthony Obinna, is on the verge of retirement, this newspaper has stumbled on processes that shape and influence the appointment of a new Bishop for the Diocese.
A reliable source revealed to innonews.com.ng that there is no ongoing race on who takes over from the Archbishop.
Rather, it was gathered that Archbishop Obinna is due to retire at the age of 75 years which is the statutory age for Archbishop of the Diocese to retire.
Presently, Archbishop Obinna is72 years old and will retire at the age of 75.
The source said ” There is no race on who succeeds the Archbishop. He is 72 years plus and he will retire at the age of 75 years which is the statutory age for him and to retire
“Before then, he will nominate three names to the Vatican and they will choose who is most fit to take his place.
” There is no race or contest ongoing at the moment and there will be none because the rules on selecting a new Archbishop for the Diocese is very clear.
“There is no tussle and there is no race on who succeeds him because there is no basis for that
Archbishop Obinna has been adjudged the spiritual father of Catholic faithful not just in Owerri Diocese but across the State.
His views on contemporary issues affecting the State is always weighty considering his enormous influence not just on Catholic faithful alone.
One of his numerous innovations since he became Archbishop of Owerri Catholic Diocese is the introduction of Odenigbo lecture which is aimed at reviving and sustaining Igbo culture.