A Bishop’s Nigerian Journey Turns Sour
Imagine traveling to your home country for a joyous occasion, only to find yourself unable to return home. That’s the reality for Bishop Kenneth Obi, a prelate with the Church of God in Christ (COGIC). Bishop Obi, who resides in Atlanta, Georgia, arrived in Nigeria on February 18th for the 17th-anniversary celebration of Edo COGIC.
The Green Card Mystery
After completing the anniversary events in Edo and Imo states, Bishop Obi prepared for his return on March 19th. It was then he discovered his green card was missing. Despite having a copy on his phone, airline officials wouldn’t budge.
Frustration at Every Turn
Bishop Obi obtained a police report and an affidavit, hoping these would suffice. However, airline representatives insisted on a travel document from the U.S. Embassy. He said the embassy told him that he needs to begin the process of getting travel documents because the Airline cannot board him.
Bureaucratic Nightmare
The process of obtaining these documents could take one to three months, leaving Bishop Obi in limbo. “This is very frustrating,” he lamented. “I believe that there is a need for this press conference so that the American ambassador will understand and be notified that people’s cases are different.”
Family in Peril
The bishop’s extended stay in Nigeria is causing immense hardship for his family back in Atlanta. He fears they could be evicted if he can’t return soon to settle bills.
Airline’s Stance: A Costly Risk
When questioned, airline officers stated they risked a $30,000 fine and potential job loss by allowing him to board without the physical green card.
A Plea for Help
Stranded and desperate, Bishop Obi is appealing to the American Ambassador in Nigeria, Richard M. Mills Jr., for intervention. He hopes his unique circumstances – a 40-year residency in the U.S. and a long-standing green card – will be considered.
What’s Next?
As Bishop Obi remains in a hotel near the Lagos airport, his fate hangs in the balance. Will the American authorities step in to expedite his return? Only time will tell.
Did you know? A green card, officially known as a Permanent Resident Card, allows non-citizens to live and work permanently in the United States. Losing one can lead to complex and stressful situations, as Bishop Obi’s case demonstrates.
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