The authorities of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, has broken silence over the allegations of embezzlement which has unsettled the Awka Diocese of the church.
NATIONAL POST reports that the Bishop of the Diocese, Rt Rev Alexander Ibezim has been a subject of media discussion after he was accused of misappropriating the church funds.
The allegations were linked to proceeds from land sales running into billions of Naira.
Some concerned parties have been calling on the Primate of Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Rev Henry Ndukuba to take a decisive action on the matter.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Church hierarchy has now spoken, vowing to take appropriate action.
The statement was signed by Venerable Gershinen Paul Dajur, General Secretary, Church of Nigeria.
He said the Church of Nigeria remained committed to integrity and transparency.
According to the statement, "the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) is aware of reports circulating on social media and in the mainstream press concerning allegations of financial impropriety involving one of our Bishops.
"As a Church committed to the teachings of Christ, and to integrity and accountability, we take these matters with the utmost seriousness.
"Accordingly, we 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."
The church authority urged its members, other stakeholders in the Body of Christ, and the general public "to refrain from speculation while this process is ongoing."
It assured that the Church would take appropriate action in line with biblical principles and the governance structures already well established within our Communion.
"Our faith reminds us that the Church is greater than any individual, and we remain steadfast in our mission to serve God and humanity with sincerity. We earnestly ask for your prayers for wisdom, unity, and healing during this period," the statement concluded.
NATIONAL POST recalls that the allegations against Bishop Ibezim bothers on a petition filed by Prince Bonti Echezona Onuigbo and pursued by lawyer Chief Tagbo Ike, SAN, alleging that parcels of diocesan land valued at more than N752 million were sold and the proceeds deposited into the Archbishop’s private account. Onuigbo also accused Archbishop Ibezim of retrenching over 1,000 church workers.
However, prior to the intervention of the church hierarchy, the Diocesan Board absolved the Bishop of any wrongdoing.
The board exonerated him after a meeting held on Monday at the Awka Diocesan Retreat and Resource Centre, Okpuno.
It unanimously dismissed the petition against the Archbishop as false, baseless, and politically motivated on the basis that the petitioner lacked credibility and standing within the Diocese.
“Prince Onuigbo is neither a registered member of the Cathedral nor a stakeholder in the Diocese. Internal matters of the Church must be raised by those who are truly part of its life and witness," the Diocesan Board said.
The Church of Nigeria hierarchy has now taken over the case by appointing a retired judge to head a probe panel.
