By UZOMA ODUIGWE, Editorial Consultant

A priest of the Methodist Church, Diocese of Atamunu in Cross River State, Nigeria, has accused the church leadership in their recent press release to the media, of trying to downplay his (the priest's) own official "complaints of strangulation, physical assault, degrading and inhuman treatments and persecution," meted out to him by The Rt. Rev. Barr. Otuekong Alexander Ukut, "as concocted, fabricated and a form of blackmail."

The embattled student-priest ? Rev. Victor Okon Uloh, a 300 Level Medicine and Surgery student of the University of Calabar, made the allegation in a counter press release made available to News Express titled, "REBUTTAL TO THE PRESS RELEASE BY THE DIOCESE OF ATAMUNU DATED 1ST MAY 2025". He accused the Bishop, Lay President and Synod Secretary of the Diocese of trying to arm twist him and down-play his own angle of the story, by describing all his dehumanising ordeals and complaints against The Rt. Rev. Barr. Otuekong Alexander Ukut, as "concocted, fabricated and a form of blackmail."

In his 5-point response or letter of complaint on the issues raised by the church against him, which dwelt on the allegations of fabrication, reference to disciplinary proceedings, complicity and silence of the synod secretary, the suggestion by the church for him to ho for neuro-psychiatric evaluation, and their claims on justice and fair hearing, the embattled priest said: "I categorically affirm that the account of physical assault, strangulation, degrading inhuman treatment and persecution meted on me by The Rt. Rev. Barr. Otuekong Alexander Ukut, is not only true but verifiable by eyewitnesses, including members of the church and clergy who were present during the said incident at the just concluded Synod of the Diocese of Atamunu."

According to Rev. Victor Okon, "It is appalling and deeply disappointing that instead of launching an impartial investigation, the Diocese has chosen to malign my character publicly and dismiss my legitimate grievances as falsehood without due process.

"Yes, I am a Full-time Priest serving in the Diocese. However, the mention of ?Disciplinary Proceedings? in the church's press release appears to be a convenient smokescreen and conspiracy theory to distract and deviate from the substantive issue, namely the unjustified physical and verbal assault I suffered.

"If the Diocese believes in fairness and accountability, then it should allow independent bodies to investigate the complaint without bias or threats of disciplinary action intended to silence me.

"It is deeply disheartening that The Very Rev. Anthony Bassey, who signed the press release as Synod Secretary, would lend his name to a document denying an event he personally witnessed. It was this same Synod Secretary whom the Bishop himself asked to ?come and collect the chain? after forcefully strangling me and breaking it from my neck.

"His direct involvement and silent compliance make his signature on a document denouncing the incident not only hypocritical but morally disturbing."

The Rev. Dr. Victor Okon Uloh said the Synod Secretary has "compromised his calling as a minister of the Gospel.... When leaders who witness injustice cannot speak the truth, they become complicit in the very evil they are called to rebuke. His silence, and now his participation in this public denial?betrays not just me but the very principles of justice and righteousness he preaches from the pulpit.

"The advice that I submit to a Neuro-Psychiatric and Mental Examination is not only offensive and defamatory, but a gross abuse of ecclesiastical authority and breaches the letters and instrumentality of the Constitution and Books of Resolution of Methodist Church, Nigeria.

"This tactic seeks to discredit me personally instead of responding to the allegations factually. It is not only unbecoming of the Church but raises serious questions about the Diocese's willingness to protect the dignity of its ministers and members.

According to him, the press release claims that the Church stands for ?Justice, Fair hearing, and Equity.? If this is true, then I challenge the Diocese to open this matter to an independent panel?comprising representatives from the Connexional headquarters, legal experts, and respected members of the Church?so that the truth can be established.

?Public gaslighting of a Priest who seeks redress does not align with the values of Christ or the historic mission of the Methodist Church, Nigeria and letters of the Constitution of Methodist Church, Nigeria."

In concluding, the embattled priest said: ?My decision to speak up was not born out of rebellion but of necessity and moral justice - to uphold truth, personal dignity, and the integrity of our Church, reaffirming his commitment to the Gospel of peace and justice, continuous seeking of lawful and spiritual remedies to this matter."

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