By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Anambra State Police Command has waded into the ongoing leadership tussle rocking the Diocese of Awka, Anglican Church.

To this end, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, on Friday held a peace meeting with the parties, warning against any action capable of triggering a breakdown of law and order.

The meeting whichh was held 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 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.

While cautioning against drawing parishioners and worshippers into the disagreement, the CP stressed that ordinary church members should not be made to bear the consequences of differences among their leaders.

He 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.

The police boss warned against inflammatory statements, confrontational conduct and other actions capable of escalating tensions, even as he noted that the Command would take appropriate lawful measures to prevent any breach of public peace.

“I assure the parties that the Command would remain impartial in handling security concerns arising from the dispute.

“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”, CP Oji Ama stated.

The Command further maintained that its priority was to preserve peace, protect lives and property, and ensure that the dispute was handled without compromising public order.

It 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 came on the heels of growing tension surrounding the Diocese leadership disagreement which has generated reactions within the church community and raised concerns about the possibility of confrontations over the administration of the diocese.

Information has it 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.