CI-NEWS

CUIB crisis: Vatican backs Bibi!

2020-06-23

No: 506

CUIB crisis: Vatican backs Bibi!

Mgr Michael Bibi, the apostolic administrator of Buea Diocese, has been given free rein by the Vatican to administer the Buea Diocese, in the wake of a stand-off pitting him with the sacked President of the Catholic university Institute of Buea (CUIB), Rev Fr Nkeze George.

Bibi had in a bid to rein in on the once powerful President of CUIB sent him on sabbatical leave and proceeded to appoint Prof. Victor Ngoh as his replacement. This prompted a legal battle between Nkeze and Bibi, constraining the Vatican to intervene to set the records straight.

Trouble began when less than 24 hours after Mgr. Bibi published names of new officials at CUIB in a sweeping dismissal of senior officials within the Institution in more than a decade, the outgoing President of CUIB struck back through his lawyer, Barrister Sobe Clive.

Fr Nkeze also reported the apostolic administrator whom he accused of heavy-handedness in managing Buea diocesan affairs to the International Federation of Catholic Colleges-IFCU, describing his actions as illegal because they were out of the scope of his mandate giving him by the Pope.

He urged IFCU to call Bibi to order and reinstate him to complete his five years mandate giving to him by the CUIB’s board of trustees- a board whose members were also dismissed by the new bishop.

The letter sparked massive controversy within the church which spilled into social media and stunned church authorities.

Mgr. Bibi then responded, this time with more authority, dismissing the lawyer who drafted the communiqué and asserted full control in the diocese.

In a strongly worded release announcing the termination of any contract the lawyer and his law firm has with CUIB, Bibi reminded all those who care to listen that he has the full mandate of the Holy See. He then positioned himself as the Chancellor, Pro-Chancellor and proprietor of all catholic schools including the CUIB.

His reminder was quickly backed by the Vatican. In a rare and speedy intervention and clarification, the Apostolic Nuncio to Cameroon- the Pope’s representative, weighed into the crisis. He declared that Mgr. Bibi has full authority to act as Bishop of Buea Diocese and dismantle any structures he deems necessary for the greater good.

The Nuncio also reminded Christians that Michael Bibi reports directly to the Holy Father about his actions in the diocese and enjoys the full support of the Holy See in his recent actions.

The letter from the Nuncio, observers said, poured cold water on any hopes by Rev Fr Nkeze and his supporters that the bishop’s actions could be reversed by the Holy See. Some of his supporters had claimed that as apostolic administrator, he lacked the mandate to do sweeping transfers and should only act as caretaker until a new bishop is appointed.

But as the church throws its weight behind its bishop, many now say the priest should render an apology for rebellion and insubordination against a man he swore to respect during his ordination.

Meanwhile, to further assert his authority, Bibi, in his capacity as Chancellor of CUIB, and proprietor of all Catholic schools on Tuesday held a crucial meeting in the conference room of the Bishop’s house with workers of Catholic University Institute of Buea.

The meeting came amidst a tense atmosphere in the diocese following the dismissal of Rev Fr Nkeze George as President of the Institution. Professor Victor Ngoh was then installed into his functions.

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CUIB crisis: Vatican backs Bibi!