The Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, as assured members of the Church, other stakeholders in the Body of Christ, and the general public to refrain from speculation as the Church authority is aware of reports circulating on social media and in the mainstream press concerning allegations of financial impropriety involving one of the Bishops in the communion.
This was made known in a statement signed today by the General Secretary of the Church of Nigeria, the Venerable Dr. Paul Dajur, urging the public to be rest assured that the Church will take appropriate action in line with biblical principles and the governance structures already well established within our Communion.
Dr. Paul noted that as a Church committed to the teachings of Christ, and to integrity and accountability, we take these matters with the utmost seriousness, adding that the Church have immediately constituted an independent, high-level investigation panel, chaired by a distinguished retired judge, to examine the allegations and to establish the truth, whilst ensuring complete transparency and fairness throughout the process.
“We respectfully urge our members, other stakeholders in the Body of Christ, and the general public to refrain from speculation while this process is ongoing. The Church will take appropriate action in line with biblical principles and the governance structures already well established within our Communion.”
He emphasized that the Church faith reminds everyone that the Church is greater than any individual, and this remain steadfast in the mission to serve God and humanity with sincerity. “We earnestly ask for your prayers for wisdom, unity, and healing during this period”, he added.
Recall that the Diocese of Awka (Anglican Communion) in Anambra State is embroiled in a controversy over diocesan land sales, with the Bishop, His Grace Rev Alexander Ibezim, in the eye of the storm.
The Archbishop has been accused by the legal officers of the Diocese of selling the church land without following the provisions of the Diocesan constitution, while the Archbishop said the allegations are false and attempt to tarnish his image. The controversy has led to the sacking of the Chancellor of the Diocese of Awka, Hon Justice O. J. Okeke (rtd), by Archbishop Ibezim, which has further agitated some church members and the public.
Reacting to allegations against the Archbishop, on behalf of the Diocese of Awka, in a statement, Ven Prince Chuma Oranye (admin assistant) and Ven Clement C. Mgbemena (Clerical Synod Secretary) said the allegations were “false, misleading and deliberately intended to tarnish the Archbishop’s reputation and destabilize the Diocese of Awka (Anglican Communion).” “The Archbishop cannot and does not unilateral determine land sales. All decisions pass through the Diocesan Land Committee of which the Registrar is chairman. Claims of ‘ongoing land stripping’ are malicious fabrications.“
