Archbishop Ibezim, Wife Appeal for Peaceful, Free and Fair Guber Election in Anambra

By Odogwu Emeka Odogwu and Izunna Okafor

The Archbishop Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger, and Bishop of Anglican Diocese of Awka, Most Reverend Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim, PhD, JP, has called on all and sundry participating on next Saturday's Anambra Governorship Election to ensure it's peaceful, free and fair.

Archbishop Ibezim made the call while speaking at St. Peter's Anglican Church, Agulu, during a successful pastorial visit where he administered a sacrament of confirmation to some candidates in Agulu Archdeaconry and admitted some women and men into Mothers' Union and Fathers' Fellowship respectively.

He encouraged electorates not to be decieved by politicians during, both before or after the election, but to peacefully vote according to thier consciences, adding that God will not allow His people to be ashamed.

While suing for peace, he also cautioned against all forms of electoral malpractice, crime and waste of human lives; as, according to him, God created man in his own image, hence means that no human being should be wasted.

Addressing the new confirmants, he challenged them to always be guided by Holy Spirit and to always  profess Christ. He tasked them never to be ashamed of spreading His gospel so as to win souls that are perishing.

Most Reverend Ibezim asked the newly admitted mothers to live up to the new trend of motherhood, groom and nurture their wards, raise family altar and ensure they make prayers their watchword while he challenged fathers to provide, protect and channel their minds on how to raise Godly home since they're pastors in their various homes.

The Anglican Prelate also thanked Agulu Archdeaconry for their exploits in the vineyard of God but requested for partnership of Agulu Anglican Community for the planning of the 2023 Synod of the Diocese.

He asserted that without God's grace, Christians can't face the spiritual battle carnally.

Similarly, the President of Mothers' Ministry, Province of the Niger, Mrs Martha Chioma Ibezim charged women to be strong and courageous and back the state with prayers as they go to the poll, noting that with their PVC's, they will choose a God-fearing man that will govern the state.

While thanking God for the Archbishop's visit,the Archdeacon, Agulu Archdeaconry and Vicar of St. Peter's Church, Venerable Chamberlain Ofornakara noted that they will continue to grow from strength to strength for their mandate is to go to the world and preach the gospel and win souls praying God for his grace upon them.

Ven Ofornakara was assisted by Rev. Charles Udeoku and Rev. Samuel Okoye as well as the Church Teacher, Mr Chukwuebuka Moghalu. 

Vice President, Mother's Union Agulu Archdeaconry, Nneora Chinyere Ofornakara described the pastoral visit as unique and thanked Archbishop Ibezim and wife for their continued support to their ministry. 

In their seperate speeches, some of the newly confirmed candidates, Miss Jessica Chilozie and Chinemelum Chibuzor promised that they will abide by laws and teneths of the church, profess Christ and be guided by the Holy Spirit.

Prayers for peaceful elections in the state, confirmation and admissions proper into Father's Fellowship and Mother's Union climaxed the service.