Anambra Police: Urges Peace in Anglican Church Leadership Dispute

• The Anambra State Police Command held a meeting to address a leadership dispute at St Faith Anglican Church, Awka.
• Commissioner Nnanna Oji Ama urged peaceful resolution through church hierarchy and respect for ongoing court proceedings.
• The dispute stems from the Primate of the Church of Nigeria directing Archbishop Alexander Ibezim to take six months' compulsory leave.
• The Awka Diocesan Board rejected the Primate's directive and the appointment of Bishop Samuel Ezeofor to oversee the diocese.
• Police warned against inflammatory actions and involving worshippers, affirming their role in maintaining public peace and impartiality.

The police command reiterated its commitment to impartiality in the matter.

The Anambra State Police Command recently convened a crucial meeting with various factions embroiled in a leadership disagreement at St Faith Anglican Church, Awka. Commissioner of Police Nnanna Oji Ama presided over the gathering, held at his office on Friday, with the primary objective of de-escalating the conflict and preventing it from deteriorating into a broader breakdown of law and order. The police chief urged all parties involved in the Anambra Anglican Church leadership dispute to pursue a peaceful resolution through established ecclesiastical channels within the church hierarchy.

During the CP Nnanna Oji Ama Anglican meeting, the Commissioner specifically acknowledged that court proceedings related to the matter are currently underway. He underscored the critical importance of respecting the judicial process while simultaneously encouraging the disputing parties to engage in constructive dialogue. Police spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga conveyed the Commissioner's message, emphasizing the need for restraint and cautioning against any actions that could exacerbate existing tensions. The police command's proactive stance highlights its commitment to maintaining public order amidst the St Faith Anglican Church Awka crisis.

The ongoing leadership crisis within the Anglican Diocese of Awka forms the backdrop to the police intervention. This significant dispute began when Henry Ndukuba, the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, issued a directive for Archbishop Alexander Ibezim to take a six-month compulsory leave. Archbishop Ibezim, who is the Archbishop of the Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka, was instructed to proceed on a six-month compulsory leave following reports from administrative panels. These panels, including a visitation team led by the church's Dean, had been investigating various developments within the diocese.

Primate Ndukuba articulated that the mandatory leave for Archbishop Alexander Ibezim was intended to facilitate a thorough investigation into the diocesan affairs, ultimately aiming to restore peace and promote reconciliation within the church. To ensure continuity during Ibezim’s absence, Ndukuba appointed Bishop Samuel Ezeofor of the Aguata Diocese to oversee both the Diocese of Awka and the Province of the Niger. However, this directive and the subsequent appointment were met with strong opposition from the Awka Diocesan Board, which rejected both decisions. This rejection further deepened the disagreement over the leadership of the Anglican Diocese of Awka, leading to the current court proceedings involving the church leaders and contributing to the broader Nigeria church hierarchy dispute.

Commissioner Ama issued stern warnings during the meeting, cautioning against involving parishioners and worshippers in the internal disagreements among church leaders. He stressed that congregants should not be made to suffer the repercussions of the dispute. Furthermore, the Commissioner explicitly advised against the use of inflammatory statements and confrontational behavior, making it clear that law enforcement would take all necessary legal measures to prevent any breach of public peace. This stance reinforces the police's role in ensuring stability, even as the Anglican Diocese of Awka leadership court cases proceed.

The police command reiterated its commitment to impartiality in the matter. Officers, according to the Commissioner, are tasked with addressing legitimate security concerns, upholding the authority of the courts, and safeguarding the rights of all individuals involved. This position was previously demonstrated when police personnel were deployed to St Faith Anglican Church during a service led by Archbishop Ibezim. At that time, the command clarified that the deployment was solely for maintaining law and order and protecting lives and property, not to take sides in the St Faith Anglican Church Awka crisis. The police continue to urge all stakeholders, including church leaders and parishioners, to cooperate with ongoing peace efforts, respect due process, and avoid any actions that could transform the disagreement into a security challenge.

Lawyers advising religious institutions or individuals involved in leadership disputes should note the police's proactive role in maintaining public order, even when court proceedings are ongoing. This highlights the importance of advising clients to respect judicial processes and avoid actions that could escalate tensions, as police may intervene to prevent breaches of peace, regardless of the merits of the underlying legal case.

Source: Original reporting via PUNCH Online.