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A concerned Catholic faithful, Asortar James, has written an open letter to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) demanding a comprehensive and independent investigation into the financial management of the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, Benue State.
The letter, addressed to the EFCC Executive Chairman, calls for scrutiny of all relevant financial records, bank statements, investments, donations, assets, and transactions covering the period from 1989 to 2023. This includes the tenure of Most Rev. Athanasius Atule Usuh, who served as Bishop from 1989 to 2015, and that of Most Rev. Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe from 2015 to 2023.
Asortar James emphasized that the request is not intended to prejudice any individual or institution but to promote transparency, accountability, and public confidence in religious organizations entrusted with significant resources. He noted that religious bodies play a vital role in moral and social development and should be open to scrutiny when legitimate concerns arise.
The petition has been copied to Pope Leo XIV, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, all priests and religious in the Makurdi Diocese, parish pastoral councils, lay organizations, and other stakeholders.
The writer stressed the importance of upholding accountability while respecting the presumption of innocence and due process, urging the EFCC to conduct the investigation fairly and make its findings public in accordance with the law.
The open letter has sparked discussions within the Catholic community in Makurdi and beyond regarding transparency in diocesan financial management.
