Anglican Church of Nigeria Urges Calm, Respect for Due Process in Ibezim’s Suspension

By Titus Eleweke

The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has called on its clergy, laity and the general public to remain calm and respect due process amid ongoing ecclesiastical and judicial proceedings concerning the suspension of the Archbishop of the Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, the Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim, by the Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria, the Most Rev. Dr Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba.

The six-month suspension, according to the letter conveying the decision, was intended to allow for a fair investigation into allegations levelled against Archbishop Ibezim.

The Church urged its members to refrain from speculation and unwholesome public exchanges, stressing that the issues should be resolved through the appropriate institutional and judicial channels in accordance with the Church’s Constitution, Canons and established procedures.

The appeal was contained in a statement issued in Abuja by the Director of Communication of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), the Ven. Raphael Adedoyin Aderinwale, on behalf of the Church.

According to the statement, the call for calm followed recent public statements and court actions concerning decisions taken by the Primate in the exercise of his ecclesiastical and supervisory responsibilities.

The Church, through its General Secretary, the Ven. Dr Festus Opara, assured members that the actions now before the courts had not been taken lightly.

It explained that its commitment to discipline and order was not inconsistent with the Christian virtues of patience, forgiveness, reconciliation and justice.

The statement disclosed that the decisions followed a prolonged period of inquiry into concerns bordering on ecclesiastical authority, accountability and compliance with established Church procedures.

It added that efforts had also been made to resolve the disagreements through conciliatory engagements before the matter progressed to its present stage.

Emphasising the need to balance reconciliation with accountability, the Church maintained that peace must go hand in hand with mutual respect, justice and adherence to canonical order.

“Reconciliation remains an essential Christian obligation, but it must be pursued within the framework of the Church’s Constitution, Canons and established procedures,” the statement said.

Citing 1 Corinthians 14:40, the Church reiterated the biblical injunction: “Let all things be done decently and in order.”

It further stressed that the Primate, like every other Church leader, remained subject to the Constitution, Canons and established processes of the Church.

Consequently, it maintained that the ongoing matter must be addressed through the appropriate institutional and judicial channels, with due regard for fairness, restraint and the rule of law.

The Church urged Anglican faithful across the country to remain prayerful, steadfast and united, warning them against being drawn into speculation or unhealthy public exchanges capable of aggravating the situation.

It also appealed to members of the public and the media to exercise restraint in their comments and reportage while the matter remained before the appropriate authorities.

According to the statement, respect for due process remained essential to safeguarding truth, justice, Christian discipline and peace within the Church.

The Church expressed confidence that the differences would be best addressed through lawful and established procedures.

It urged all concerned to uphold the dignity of the Anglican Communion and ensure that the resolution of the dispute remained consistent with Christian witness and the rule of law.

The statement ended with a prayer for divine wisdom, patience and peace for the Church.

“May God grant His Church wisdom, patience and peace,” it said.