The former president of the Catholic University of Buea (CUIB), Reverend Father George Nkeze, who is on a self exile in the United States, has criticised the Bishop of Buea, Michael Bibi, for threatening him with canonical sanctions.
The canonical sanctions against Fr Nkeze reportedly include excommunication, censure, suspension, and purgatory.
In a letter titled “Breaking the Silence,” the erstwhile CUIB President said the Bishop of Buea is violating all laws in his attempt to remove him from the church.
The problem between the Bishop of Buea and Fr. Nkeze is over the ownership and management of the CUIB.
Father Nkeze became the CUIB’s first president under a contract document signed by the Bishop Emeritus of the Buea Diocese, Emmanuel Bushu.
But since taking over as Bishop of Buea, Michael Bibi has been in a standoff with Nkeze, who reportedly managed the school as personal property.
Failing to resolve the issue amicably, Father Nkeze exiled himself to the USA, where he has been until now.
He claimed to have handed over the institution to the Diocese before leaving for the US.
But previous pastoral letters from Bishop Bibi indicated that Nkeze confiscated CUIB property.
Nkeze Takes Credit for CUIB’s Early Growth
The former CUIB president claims to have had several accomplishments at the university.
“Bishop Bibi, throughout my tenure as President and as official custodian of the university’s property, the university’s finances were managed meticulously, preventing unnecessary liabilities or lawsuits,” Nkeze wrote.
“The labour office of Buea will testify that CUIB always worked with the labour inspectors to address issues pertaining to the university. Based on the Statutes, the President, with the approval of the Board, had to put up infrastructures, borrow money, and engage in contracts and partnerships that enabled the university to be self-reliant while recognising the ecclesial role of the Church.
“During the tough period of the Anglophone Crisis, we were able to expand to the Douala Campus to the surprise of other higher institutions of learning that had shut down. All diocesan Catholic schools were shut down as well. This attests to the good financial health of the institution.”
He said Bishop Bibi’s actions like dismissing some of the CUIB Board of Trustees members and other employees of the university, were very painful and have led to a series of lawsuits that are ongoing to this day.
Breakdown in Communication?
He said he had repeatedly pleaded with the Bishop in 2020/2021 to reconsider his decision, as they were going to have grave consequences and create a crisis.
“You ignored my plea, and now you are threatening me with canonical sanctions. Is it because I am a priest? Why the Double Standards?” he questioned.
According to him, the Bishop failed to respect his contract.
“My tenure as President of CUIB speaks for itself, and I remain thankful to God for His love and faithfulness,” George Nkeze said.
He added that the Bishop’s threats to impose canonical sanctions are a canonical violation of the Supreme Authority of the Holy See (See CIC, c.333 paragraph 1-3), which obliges Bishops to respect the supreme jurisdiction of the Holy See.
“In violating this process, you have acted ultra vires, undermining both the authority of the Dicastery and the procedural rights afforded to us as petitioners (see Canons 1732-1739).”
Bishops Wants Nkeze Back in Cameroon
According to Nkeze, he had handed over the CUIB’s management, yet the Bishop wants him to return to Cameroon and hand over the presidency again.
“Also issuing me a letter dated June 24, 2024, and received by me in January 2025, to hand over to the present president of CUIB is a procedural irregularity and abuse of your power, which has been your administrative pattern since you took over office as Apostolic Administrator and later Bishop of the Diocese of Buea. Canon 57 paragraphs 1-3 also obligates competent ecclesiastical authorities to issue decisions in a timely manner,” he stated.
Father George Nkeze now lives in Scottsdale, Arizona, USA.
