The Archbishop Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, Anglican Communion, Most Reverend Alexander Chibuzor Ibezim yesterday celebrated his 58th birthday with inmates of the Nigerian Correctional Center, Amawbia, Anambra state.
He said he chose to celebrate with the inmates to give them sense of belonging and hope even as he assured them that God will intervene in their lives soonest for them to regain freedom.
The cleric advocated for a seamless delivery of impartial and non-discriminatory justice by the judiciary and all other agencies charged with justice delivery in Nigeria.
Archbishop Ibezim in company of his wife, Mrs Martha Chioma insisted that access to justice is a basic principle of rule of law, hence the need for fairness, justice and equity in the judicial system.
He said that his ministry is to establish the widow’s, empower the poor, touch lives as well as do the work of mission and evangelism in winning soul’s that are perishing.
He further advised the officials of the Correctional Center not forget that God is the ultimate judge hence it is their duty to ensure justice and equity always and ensure that innocent ones regain freedom, stressing that such would help in decongesting and reducing the burden in the Center.
He enjoined Nigerians to ensure they don’t abandon the inmates in this COVID-19 era to enable them to have sense of belonging
The Deputy Comptroller Of Correctional Center Amawbia, Mr Edwin Akabueze who was overwhelmed by the Archbishop’s visit extolled the Anglican Prelate, Most Reverend Ibezim for the visit which he said added to the life of the inmates for since COVID-19 erupted no one has visited them so as to prevent them from contacting the deadly virus.
Praying for Archbishop Ibezim and family, Anambra state , Governor Obiano and Nigeria, the Bishop of Eha-Amufu Diocese, Right Reverend Daniel Nkemjika Olinya noted that it pleases the Lord when one remembers the downtrodden, poor and destitute in their midst. He advised the inmates to know that their situation today is not the end of their life as in no distance time, they will rejoice and thank God for everything.
As well, praying for the inmates, the Bishop Of Bauchi Diocese, Right Reverend Musa Mwin-Tula reassured them that their stay is another school of life that would make them stronger in the Lord and encouraged them never to return to whatever reason that made them incarcerated in the first place. He thanked Archbishop Ibezim for choosing to celebrate with the inmates on his birthday.
Highlight was donation of coolers of food, drinks and water for the inmates and donation of cash to the workers.
