By Emeka Odogwu
Archbishop Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger, and Bishop Anglican Diocese of Awka, Most Reverend Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim, PhD has appreciated Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, for retaining his brother and an Anglican, His Excellency , Dr OnyekaChukwu Ibezim as his running mate against all odds.
Thanking Governor Soludo on behalf of the Anglican Diocese of Awka during the 2025 Awka Diocesan Synod at St Mary’s Anglican Church Nri, Archbishop Ibezim warned Anglican worshippers to stop ridiculing their members in power and authority for pedestrian reasons. He rather encouraged them to support their members at all times.
He pointed out that his brother got all the criticisms from members of his fold rather than prayers and solidarity, but the governor retained him as his running mate on purpose, insisting that: ‘Dr Ibezim is our own and we are very proud of him’, to a resounding applause of members.
He described the Government of Prof Soludo as a working government hence, the church is constantly praying for his government to succeed.
He tasked worshippers to pray for the leaders like it’s done in the US and other developed climes, rather than the curses and abuses to leaders in Nigeria.
He also appealed for prayers for himself, as the Archbishop, as he is not a magician, but an imperfect creature like other beings. He noted that only Jesus Christ is perfect.
Archbishop Ibezim informed that in several years, a woman hasn’t been nominated to pilot the affairs of the synod until Chief Mrs Obiokoye was appointed and strongly supported by her husband Chief Eugene Obiokoye. He announced that going forward, women shall be appointed into effective positions in the Diocese.
In his remarks the deputy Governor, Dr Ibezim appreciated the church for their prayers and support, assuring that the Soludo led- government shall serve the state with sincerity of purpose.
