By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State Police Command has intervened in the leadership dispute rocking the Anglican Diocese of Awka, with the Commissioner of Police, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, holding a peace meeting with the parties on Friday and warning against any action capable of triggering a breakdown of law and order.
The meeting, held on October 23 at the Commissioner’s office, was part of efforts by the Command to manage tensions surrounding the dispute and ensure that the disagreement among church leaders does not spill over into a security challenge.
According to a statement issued by the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Commissioner during the meeting acknowledged that court proceedings relating to the dispute were ongoing and urged the parties to respect the judicial process while also exploring peaceful ways to resolve their differences.
CP Ama also encouraged those involved to make use of the appropriate channels within the church’s established ecclesiastical hierarchy, stressing that such efforts should not prejudice the cases already before the courts.
The Police Commissioner also cautioned against drawing parishioners and worshippers into the disagreement, noting that ordinary church members should not be made to bear the consequences of differences among their leaders.
The police chief called on all concerned to exercise restraint, show mutual respect and approach the situation with maturity in the interest of peace, unity and the sanctity of worship.
He also warned against inflammatory statements, confrontational conduct and other actions capable of escalating tensions, making it clear that the Command would take appropriate lawful measures to prevent any breach of public peace.
While reaffirming the police position, CP Oji Ama assured the parties that the Command would remain impartial in handling security concerns arising from the dispute. He said the police would discharge their responsibilities professionally, respect the authority of the courts and protect the rights of all parties in accordance with the law.
The Command maintained that its priority was to preserve peace, protect lives and property, and ensure that the dispute was handled without compromising public order.
SP Ikenga said the Command had also appealed to church leaders, parishioners and other stakeholders to cooperate with the peace efforts, respect due process and avoid conduct that could aggravate the situation.
The intervention follows heightened tensions surrounding the leadership disagreement, which has generated reactions within the church community and raised concerns about the possibility of confrontations over the administration of the diocese.
It was gathered that both Bishops prayed for and thanked CP Ama for his proactive approach to policing in the entire Anambra State and further pledged to maintain peace subsequently.
