By Ugoh Sam-Okobi
The article titled “Why is Anokwuru Christian Uche still parading himself as a priest of the Catholic Church?”, published on social media a few days ago by Kingsley Uzoma, raises issues that, in my view, deserve a more balanced consideration.
Rather than dwell on personalities, it is important to examine the facts surrounding Dr. Christian Uche Anokwuru’s departure from active priestly ministry and his subsequent decisions. As someone close to Anokwuru, I understand that his decision to leave the priesthood followed his suspension in November 2025 after efforts to resolve the matter were unsuccessful.
He accepted the suspension and relinquished his priestly and official responsibilities. He stopped officiating at Mass, stepped down as Provost of Madonna College of Health Technology, Olokoro, vacated the official residence attached to the office, and ceased presenting himself as “Rev. Fr.” Those who know him say he handled the situation with calmness and dignity while respecting the Church’s processes.
Having resigned from active priestly ministry, Anokwuru is now entitled to make personal decisions about his future. Like any other citizen, he has the right to choose whether to marry and build a family.
If he has chosen to begin a new chapter of his life with a life partner, that is a personal decision that deserves respect. The viral video showing him introducing a woman to Governor Alex Otti has naturally generated public interest, but it should not, by itself, be the basis for questioning his personal choices. His family, friends and well-wishers are understandably supportive of whatever lawful path he chooses as he moves forward with his life. In my view, discussions about Anokwuru should focus on matters of genuine public interest rather than on his private life. Once he ceased active priestly ministry, the personal decisions he makes became his own responsibility. Anokwuru owes no obligation to respond to every criticism regarding his personal decisions. Likewise, the fact that Governor Alex Otti referred to him as “Rev. Fr.” during a public event does not necessarily establish that Anokwuru was presenting himself as a serving Catholic priest.
Indeed, it would have been difficult for him to interrupt a public event simply to correct the form of address used by another speaker. To further clarify his status, Anokwuru publicly announced his resignation from active priestly ministry and his preference to be addressed as “Dr. Christian Uche Anokwuru” rather than “Rev. Fr. Christian Uche Anokwuru.” That publication remains available for anyone who wishes to verify it. It is therefore difficult to conclude that someone who publicly announced such a change was deliberately presenting himself as a serving Catholic priest. Anokwuru holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Theology and currently serves as Special Adviser to the Abia State Governor on Policy and Intervention. His academic qualifications and public service stand independently of his previous vocation.
It is also worth noting that, under Catholic teaching, priestly ordination is generally regarded as permanent, even though a person may no longer exercise priestly ministry or hold official ecclesiastical responsibilities.
In keeping with his character, Anokwuru has accepted the events surrounding his departure from active priestly ministry as part of his life’s journey.
Finally, it is important to state that there has been no public evidence suggesting that his departure from active priestly ministry resulted from any criminal conviction or other proven misconduct. He has continued to identify himself as a practicing Catholic.
•Sam-Okobi is an Umuahia-based Public Affairs analyst.