Our Personality of the Week is Rev. Fr. (Barr.) Steve Dumebi Chukwuma. He is the present Parish Priest of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Agbor. He is a writer, a Lawyer, an achiever, and one who has so far offered meritorious and qualitative service in the Lord’s vineyard and has for over 30 years been serving in the Lord’s House.
In this interview, Rev. Fr. Stephen Chukwuma has revealed that the life of a Priest is a one lives for the good of others,
Enjoy reading
May we meet you?
I am Father Stephen Dumebi Chukwuma. I was born on Tuesday 5th of June 1962 in Agbor, to the family of late Mr. Benedict Ilekemri Chukwuma from Akumazi Umuocha and late Mrs. Elizabeth Ebigu Chukwuma from Ute-Aliohen. As a young boy, I was an altar server in St. John the Baptist Church, Agbor, during my Primary and Secondary School days. I attended Ngala Primary School and got my School Leaving Certificate in 1976.
Thereafter, I proceeded to Ịka Grammar School in the year 1977 and I took WASC examination in the year 1982. Later in 1982 I entered the Seminary and started with the Spiritual Year in St. Paul’s Missionary Seminary in Iperu-Remo in Ogun State. I was there for one year, after which I proceeded to SS Peter and Paul Major Seminary in Bodija, Ibadan. I finished in June 1990. Then, on August 18, 1990, I was ordained a Priest by Most Rev. Dr. Anthony Gbuji in St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Agbor.
Since then I have been serving as a Priest in different stations. I was in the St. John of the Cross Spiritual year at Ekpoma, from 1990 to 1995. When I came back, I was appointed the Parish Priest of St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Ubulu-Uku from 1995 to 1996.
Can you remember some of the friends you went to school with?
I can remember some of my Primary school friends. I am still close to some of them. One of my close friends, and colleague in Primary school, David Eboh is in London. Another one, Chuks Ebibilem is here in Agbor. Incidentally, Chuks and I were classmates in Secondary School. My cousin, Uche, Aniemeka Okoh, was my classmate in Secondary School. I still identify with Ika Grammar School Old Boys Association.
What about at the Seminary?
I was the only one from Issele-Uku Diocese at the seminary. That was why I was ordained alone at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Agbor. However, I had classmates from the Diocese of Benin, Lagos, Ekiti, Ondo. Even, the present Bishop of Ondo, Most Rev. Dr. Jude Arogundade was my classmate.
Were there teachers that influenced your life positively?
Many of them did. But, my becoming a Priest was by the grace of God, nobody talked me into it. When I was in Ika Grammar School, one Miss Mkpado took us Literature and one of the books we read was ‘Cry The Beloved Country.’ In that novel, there is a character called Rev. Stephen Kumalo. Coincidentally, my name is also Stephen, and Miss Mkpado would always ask me to read before the class. At each moment I got to Rev. Stephen Kumalo, the students would chorus it. That was how they started calling me Rev. Stephen Kumalo. So, most of them were not surprised when I went to the seminary.
Tell us about your calling as a Priest
My calling was very simple. As a small boy of about 4 to 6, I picked interest in Priesthood when I saw the life of serving Priests posted to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Agbor. I really admired their white cassock. Though, my mother wasn’t very happy with my wanting to be a Priest, my father never had issue with it.
Can you mention some of those Fathers?
Fr. Cussack, Fr. Okenn, Rt. Rev. Msgr. Augustine Emordi, Rt. Rev. Msgr. Mozia, Fr. John Ibude, Rt. Rev. Msgr. Arimoku and so many others.
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What is it like to being a priest?
The life of a priest is a life of sacrifice. It’s the life you live for others, not for yourself. As, a Catholic Priest, you are the end of your race, the end of your name, everything about you. So, as a Catholic Priest, you live for others all through your life time.
What are the challenges so far?
There are a lot of challenges, but God has given us the grace to surmount them. Many people will come to you; old and young, male and female. But at the end of the day, they will all leave, bidding you goodnight. Then, you are alone, all to yourself.
How do you manage this loneliness?
It is the grace of God. Once God calls you, He gives you the grace. I also write by God’s grace and have authored four books
Have you ever thought of turning back from the Priesthood?
If you turn back, where will you go to? The other side is not as sweet as one may think. From my thirty years experience as a Priest, I have seen so many couples who would smile and laugh outside, pretending that all is well, but, at home, they don’t talk to each other. From my own experience, it is better to die a bad Priest, than to leave the Priesthood and all those that left the Priesthood and got married, are frustrated, they are not happy.
What do you have to say about the publication sometime ago of certain Catholic Priests who got married and still celebrate mass?
I read about them also, not that I am familiar with them. To start with, it is not in Nigeria. One thing is that, in every general rule, there is always an exception. Even, the law states, “Thou shall not kill,” but there will be an occasion when you will have to kill, in self defense. Also, celibacy is not a divine law. It is a church law. So, it is left for you to either accept it or not, and if you accept it, be prepared to abide by it.
In all the Parishes you have served, you always erect edifices, how do you do accomplish this?
It is by God’s grace. The goodwill of the people, sincere relationship with the people, openness to the people, and the people’s responses are contributing factors. I must also say that I am a lucky person. Anywhere I go, I find favour with God and with the people. My parishioners are very wonderful people, very nice to me, and very cooperative.
Could you mention some of the parishes you have served?
I served at St. Brigid, Asaba; All Saints, Onicha-Ugbo; St. Michael’s, Onichi-Uku,St. Charles, Ubulu-Uku; St. Michael’s Ubulu-Uku; I was the Rector of St. Felix Minor Seminary, Ejeme-Aniogor; I was the Dean at St. John of the Cross Spiritual Year campus, Ekpoma; and I am presently serving in St. Joseph, Agbor.
Having served in so many Parishes, how do you handle farewells?
A priest belongs to all the families in the world, and he does not specifically belong to any. So, farewells are inevitable. You must always prepare your mind towards it as a Priest in any Parish you are posted to.
How many people have you talked into becoming a Priest?
You don’t talk people into becoming a Priest. It is a calling. The only way you can make people appreciate the Priesthood and want to be a Priest, is by your lifestyle. I have a nephew who will be doing his final profession by next month to be ordained a Priest in the next one or two years. I also have another nephew who is in the Major Seminary. There are also others who are not my family members.
How has being a Lawyer helped you in your Priesthood?
Since I became a lawyer, my standard changed, and everything about me and my Priesthood changed. After my call to BAR, I went for my Master’s. Thereafter, I took up a teaching appointment at Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku and I am currently the HOD of Arts & Humanities in School of General Studies. So, adding my teaching experience to my preaching makes me to be more effective.
So, as a Catholic Priest, you can also do other works outside?
Well, I am teaching to impact knowledge on students, instead of keeping the knowledge to myself. Initially, I was going to Court, the first two years of my call to BAR. But, then, I said to myself, it is good I leave the court aspect and toeing the line of teaching, so that I can share my knowledge with others. Teaching is also part of the ministry; teaching ministry.
Some would say that lawyers are not altogether sincere in their practice. How true is this?
A lawyer is a priest at the temple of Justice. The court is a church, and the lawyer is a priest there.
Can you as a lawyer and a priest defend someone you know is guilty of theft in the court of Law?
It is hard to say someone is guilty, except being proven by the law. We, as lawyers, have our professional ethics. However, if I am uncomfortable with a case as a Priest, I can decline and my client will go to another lawyer. My conscience will not allow me defend a case I already know my client is guilty of with my interaction with him or her, except I don’t know.
Those times you appeared at the court, was the mission in support of it?
It was the mission that sent me to study Law. They sponsored my training. Initially, my former Bishop, Bishop Oteh wanted me to be the Diocesan Secretary, so he appointed me to be the Assistant Diocesan Secretary to understudy Archbishop Augustine Akubueze, now the Archbishop of Benin City. But, when Elue was appointed the Bishop of Isele-Uku, Bishop Oteh said the Bishop and the Diocesan Secretary cannot be both from Akumazi. So, he asked me to go back to the Parish, and I was very grateful to God he did so.
There are also other Priests who like me are called to BAR. We have the license to appear in any court in Nigeria, from the lowest court to the Supreme Court.
You are about celebrating your thirty years in the Priesthood. How has it been so far?
I have seen the faithfulness of God these past thirty years. I have seen the love of God, and the love of people who shower me with kindness because I am a Priest, and I don’t want to take that for granted.
What are the expectations for the celebration?
I actually didn’t want to celebrate it this year, for some reasons. I lost so many close persons this year; my cousin, Chief Solomon Chukwuma; my father in the Priesthood and my mentor, Monsignor Dennis Arimoku; Chief S. W. Anumele; an elderly cousin at Akumazi; Mr. Okorie Eka Eze also died this year. So, I just wanted to do it on a low key. The anniversary date is on the 18th, on Tuesday, but the mass will be celebrated during the 9 am Mass on Sunday 23rd August, 2020. No invitation cards, as it is not really a big celebration.
Can you say something about Late Fr. Arimoku, whom you just called your Mentor and Father in the Lord?
Late Monsignor Arimoku meant a lot not just to me, but to my entire family. He was the one responsible for my elder brother’s education. He was not happy that my brother, whom he taught at Model school and knew to be brilliant, had become a taxi driver. So, he saw to it that he went to higher institution. Also, it was my elder brother that drove him on the day of his ordination, and I was the Mass Server that followed him. Later, when I went to the seminary and graduated, it was Monsignor. Arimoku that was in charge of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Agbor where I was ordained a Priest. As at the time I was ordained a Priest, Priest were given Volkswagen, but Monsignor Arimoku gave me Peugeot 504. He was a father to me. I will never forget him.
You also talked about late Chief Solomon Chukwuma, who was he to you?
Yes. He was a very close cousin. Among other things, I will remember him for being a man that stood for the truth. One thing common among us, the Chukwumas is that we always stand for the truth. Our parents stood for the truth, and we are toeing same line. Late Solomon was truthful, bold and courageous.
Being from the Royal family, how do you handle traditional practices with Christianity?
We try to practice inculturation. Those things which are good in our culture, we bring it into the church. However, in doing so, we also discard those things which are fetish and abominable before God. I also discuss that with the Obi of Akumazi, who is my brother and bosom friend.
What do you have to say about the recent incessant killings in the country, especially in Southern Kaduna?
Killing whether by Christians or Muslims should be condemned in its entirety. No one should kill his fellow human beings because of religion. It is obvious the government at all levels has failed us and we cannot pretend over it. We just have to be more security conscious whilst we continue to pray to God for divine protection.
It is shameful that some of our clergymen instead of openly condemning the poor governance today, run after politicians for envelops. As a servant of God, you have no business moving with politicians. If you want to pray for them, you can do so in your house without them knowing.
It is also necessary to know that as a priest, you are not to be involved in partisan politics. You are a messenger of God to all and not to some. No reasonable Catholic Priest plays partisan politics.
If they do, what is the penalty from the church?
There was a Rev. Fr. in Benue state sometime ago, Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu that went into politics and eventually became the governor of Benue state. All through the time he was involved in partisan politics and was the governor, he was suspended from performing essential duties of a Priest. For instance, he was forbidden from saying Public Mass. But, after his tenure as the governor, he reconciled with the church and was permitted again to say Public Mass.
Who are your mentors?
They are so many. I mentioned Late Msgr Arimoku. Also, Archbishop Akubeze is my mentor. He is a very good, humble and an easy going person. My Bishop, Mike Elue, is also a mentor to me. He is a man of his own; he does his things quietly.
If there is reincarnation, would you still choose to be a Priest?
To start with, I don’t believe in reincarnation. If there is reincarnation, who will God judge on the Last Day; the person in the first life or the one or ones that reincarnated? So, on a very serious note, I don’t believe in reincarnation. When we were growing up, people used to go to the river to make sacrifices in respect of a supposed “ogbanje” child that is often coming and going. Little did we know that it was only sickle cell attack that was resulting to the pale look of a child and the ceaseless attacks that often lead to untimely death? Not until science came and our eyes became open to the falsehood and ignorance. Now, we know it is unadvisable for an AS to marry an AS. That has entirely handled the matter of ogbanje. Also, the transfiguration in the New Testament which people often cite is only a trance. The Disciples of Christ were so happy to get a glimpse of how heaven would look like. So, being carried away in their ecstasy, they asked that tents be built for Christ, Moses and Elijah. It is important we know the truth of the matter. Reincarnation is false. I believe in resurrection. There is life after death.
What have you done to sensitise your parishioners about COVID-19?
We are always telling them about the preventive measures, especially the wearing of facemasks.
How do you relax?
I spend my time with God.
What is your favourite food?
I eat anything. I don’t really have a special food. But then, I prefer chewing than swallowing. I eat corn so much. I got that from my mother.
What can you say about the present day politician vis a vis the old ones of years back?
The present day politicians cannot be compared to the old ones of years back. Today you talk of ‘god father’ in politics but before now there was nothing like that. They are political sponsors who use money and influence to win support for their preferred candidates. Democracy is about the people, but today it is about the god father.
Many youths today will want to go to Europe through Libya and the Mediterranean Sea. What is your advice to them?
My humble advice is; from east to west, home is the best. I have travelled to America, Italy, Israel, United Kingdom, there more opportunities here in Nigeria than any other place in the world. If not for any other thing, at least you will live life of freedom and not in bondage. If our youths should work hard in Nigeria, they will make it. There is no need going to kill yourself in the Mediterranean Sea because you want to travel abroad.
Parents now advise their children to go to Europe through those wrong means without education. What is your advice?
No reasonable parents will advice their children to go to Europe through those wrong means without education. The right thing to do when you want to travel is to go to the embassy of the country. My advice is that parents should be responsible and do the right thing and not lead their children into temptation.
The present day generation dresses any how these days. What do you do when such youths dress like that and come to your church?
Modesty is not only for women, it is for men as well. Immodesty shows bad intentions and in a way it is boasting of self. Many churches today are nothing but fashion shows where people go to show off their immodest clothing and worship a god that is made up in their mind. What are your motives deep down for dressing the way you dress?
We need more people to stand up and say no to immodest dressing in the church
What will you like to be remembered for after this your earthly life?
I will like to be a man remembered after my earthly life for making this world a better place for others.
Many years ago, people were taught and told that good name is better than riches. But today, the revise seems to be the order of the day with the lifestyle of the present day youths. What can you say to that?
There is nothing better than good name. Good name is better than riches no matter what is happening today in the world. According to the Bible “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favour rather than silver and gold” – Proverbs 22:1
Have you ever thought about the status of your name? Would you say it is good? Do you even care how those around you view your name? the old adage good name is better than riches still stands today.
BY STEVE ASHIEN AND WILLIAM USIFOH