Anglican Crisis:Anambra CP Issues Stern Warning as Police Meet Ezeofor, Ibezim

Titus Eleweke

The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, has warned that the Command will not hesitate to take appropriate lawful measures against anyone who breaches the law or threatens public peace in the state.

CP Oji Ama gave the warning when he met with the Supervising Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Awka, Bishop Samuel Ezeofor, and Archbishop Alexander Ibezim, who had been directed to proceed on a six-month leave to allow for an investigation into allegations against him by the church.

The Commissioner also cautioned against inflammatory statements, confrontational conduct and any actions capable of escalating tensions or threatening public peace in Anambra State.

According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the warning followed the Command’s intensified efforts to sustain peace and prevent any breakdown of law and order in connection with the ongoing dispute involving St Faith Anglican Church, Awka.

As part of these efforts, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama on Friday held a meeting with the parties involved in the dispute at his office.

During the meeting, the Commissioner acknowledged the ongoing court proceedings relating to the matter and emphasised the importance of respecting the judicial process.

He urged the parties to pursue peaceful dialogue and explore appropriate channels within the church’s established ecclesiastical hierarchy to resolve their differences, without prejudice to the ongoing court proceedings.

The CP stressed that parishioners and worshippers must not be drawn into the disagreement or made to suffer the consequences of differences among church leaders.

He called on all concerned to demonstrate restraint, mutual respect and maturity in the interest of peace, unity and the sanctity of worship.

Reassuring the parties of the Command’s impartiality, the Commissioner affirmed that the Police would continue to discharge their responsibilities professionally, address legitimate security concerns, respect the authority of the court and uphold the rights of all parties in accordance with the law.

The Anambra State Police Command therefore called on church leaders, parishioners and other stakeholders to cooperate with ongoing peace efforts, respect due process and refrain from any conduct capable of escalating the dispute into a security challenge.

The Command reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace, protecting lives and property, and ensuring that the dispute is managed without compromising public order.