Archbishop Ibezim fights back as Awka Diocese rejects suspension by Primate

The Awka Diocesan Board rejected the six-month compulsory leave ordered for Archbishop Alexander Ibezim by Anglican Primate Henry Ndukuba, as well as the appointment of Samuel Ezeofor to oversee his duties temporarily. At an emergency meeting in Ifite-Awka, the Board urged Ndukuba and Ezeofor to take no further action because court cases concerning the allegations against Ibezim are pending. It said church rules do not authorize the Primate to impose the leave and cited Nigeria’s constitutional protections for the presumption of innocence and freedom of religion. The Board warned it could leave the Church of Nigeria and continue under the Church of England if what it called unlawful interference continues.