Archbishop Efobi Retires amidst tension for new Bishop -- as New 3 Bishops for Aguata, Ukwa and Ngbo dioceses tomorrow

www.odogwublog.com reports that Archbishop of the Province and Bishop of Aguata Diocese, the Most Reverend Christian Efobi penultimate week bid farewell to the seat of Anglican Communion Aguata diocese where he was forcefully retired from active service.

Though his exit was sudden but Governor Willie Obiano joined communicants in the Anglican Province of the Niger to bid him farewell.

Archbishop Efobi was elected Bishop of Aguata Diocese in 2005, from the Anglican Diocese of Yola where he had served for 15 years and had also served as Archbishop of Niger Province for 7 years.

He retires from active service having attained the retirement age of 70 years though February end supposed to be his actual retirement date. He was asked to go by House of Bishops for failing to discipline some priests in his diocese indicted of acts against the doctrines of the Anglican Communion.

Speaking at the Cathedral Church of St John, Ekwulobia, Governor Obiano said Archbishop Efobi had no doubt enjoyed uncommon grace of God in his years of episcopacy and is retiring in good health.

In his valedictory sermon, the Outgoing Archbishop Efobi who recalled God's faithfulness upon him and his family throughout his years of episcopacy, thanked members of the Diocese for supporting his ministry during his stay with them.

He called on the clergy in the Diocese to avail his successor the required support to enable him succeed, urging them to embrace love for one another and to shun hatred and division among themselves so as to move the Diocese forward.

On his part, the President, Joint Council of knights, Church of Nigeria, Sir Isaiah Ezezika said it was a moment of reflection for people of the Diocese in view of the Prelate's outstanding stewardship and the need to reposition the Diocese to move forward, praying God to grant him peaceful retirement and many more years of sound health and happiness.

 Meanwhile, the House of Bishops of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) will between February 7th and 9th, 2018 elects three Bishops for Aguata diocese in Anambra state, Ngbo Diocese in Ebonyi state and Ukwa diocese in Abia state/Rivers state.

The Bishops shall replace the late Bishop of Ngbo diocese, Abakaliki , Ebonyi state , The Right Reverend Christian Ebisike who allegedly slumped and died on duty, the former Archbishop of Province on the Niger and Aguata diocese , and Archbishop Christian Efobi who was forcefully retired as well  the Bishop of Ukwa diocese , Abia state , The Right Reverend Samuel Kelechi Eze also forcefully retired.

Ebisike was vocal against Church of England’s decision to allow women become priests as it would further strain the relationship between Church of England and Church of Nigeria.

According to Most Rev. Dr. E.O Chukwuma (OON) , Archbishop & Bishop of Enugu ,Anglican Communion

Ebisike was a friend and brother bishop, the great iroko tree where many birds’ perch for guide, satisfaction, counsel and unity has finally fallen, what a world. It is a pity that your health challenge which had lingered so long did not allow you any longer to continue in the work of the kingdom which you were doing committed’’.

As well the former Archbishop of Province on the Niger and Aguata diocese , Archbishop Christian Efobi whose retirement was February was forced by House of Bishops to retire January for undisclosed reasons and he has been sent forth.

For Bishop Eze, he was compulsorily retired by House of Bishops even when he has many years to stay for allowing devil work against his ministry through his Confidential Secretary. The Bishops declared his seat vacant after all entreaties failed on deaf ears. The wife and children were devastated.

 Photo: Buhari and Bishop Efobi