The Anglican Bishop of Awka Diocese and Archbishop of the Province of the Niger, Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim, has been directed to proceed on depart and barred from performing church duties pending an investigation into allegations and up to date developments within the diocese.
The directive was introduced by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, in a letter addressed to Ibezim.
Ndukuba directed Ibezim to proceed on six months’ depart with quick impact, pending the investigation.
The cleric was additionally barred from officiating at any actions of the Church of Nigeria, the Province of the Niger or the Anglican Diocese of Awka in the course of the interval.
The Primate introduced the appointment of the Bishop of Aguata Diocese, Rt. Rev. Samuel Ezeofor, as Supervising Bishop of Awka Diocese and Coordinating Bishop of the Province of the Niger throughout Ibezim’s absence.
The letter mentioned the choice adopted current developments in Awka Diocese, the place allegations and occasions involving the Archbishop had raised considerations concerning the integrity and picture of the Church of Nigeria.
The Primate additionally referenced a gathering with Ibezim on October 9, throughout which the report of a visitation staff was mentioned as a part of the problems thought-about in reaching the choice.
According to the letter, the motion was taken underneath Section 29(1) of Chapter V of the Constitution and Canons of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), 2020, which supplies the Primate normal authority and oversight of the Church.
Ndukuba defined that the measure was supposed to permit for a good and thorough investigation into the allegations and create room for peace and reconciliation in Awka Diocese.
He clarified that the depart was not a disciplinary measure however an administrative step to make sure an neutral inquiry into developments within the diocese.
The letter directed Ibezim to proceed on depart for an preliminary interval of six months or for some other interval the Church management could deem vital.
During that interval, Ezeofor will take cost of episcopal duties and oversee each Awka Diocese and the Province of the Niger.
The Primate additional directed Ibezim to organize for the handover of his tasks to Ezeofor at his workplace earlier than continuing on depart.
Copies of the letter have been despatched to Ezeofor, the Chancellor and Registrar of the Church of Nigeria, the Provincial Council of the Province of the Niger and the Diocesan Board of Awka Diocese.
