By JOY MBACHI

Former Dean, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, and Archbishop of the defunct Province Two, late Archbishop Maxwell Anikwenwa, has been laid to rest.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the former Dean was buried at St Peter’s Church, Ezi-Awkuzu in Oyi Local Goverment Area of Anambra.

In his homily, the Bishop of Awka Diocese and Archbishop Province of the Niger, Most Revd Alexander Ibezim promised that the gospel would move to higher dimensions from where late Anikwenwa stopped.

Ibezim noted that late archbishop left indelible legacies in Anglican Communion and the larger society, which would remain relevant in generations to come.

Religious and political leaders present at the burial paid glowing tributes to the former Dean.

The Primate of Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, and over 300 clerics were on ground to say their last prayer.

The Primate described Anikwenwa as a “selfless patriarch, master builder and pioneer Bishop of the diocese who laid solid foundation for his successors”.

He said, “Archbishop Anikwenwa loved God and His people. He lived life of sacrifice and servanthood.

“He cherished Church Missionary Society (CMS) and Anglican heritage.

“He gave specific instructions on how and where he will be buried in line with the church doctrine.

“He was a good team player, invested in people and left indelible legacies,” Ndukuba said.

The primate, while sympathising with the family, prayed God to watch over them, give them as well as grant them fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

He also appreciated Anikwenwa’s successor, Archbishop Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Reverend Alexander Ibezim for ensuring the deceased was given a beffiting burial.

In his tribute, the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, said the deceased would be remembered for his commitment in advocating for a better Nigeria, good governance and selfless service.

“He was not only a man of God but a great Nigerian who contributed meaningfully beyond his pastoral work of building Nigeria,” Obi said.

Obi said that political leaders should live a life of sacrifice just as Anikwenwa did for the common good of the people.

He said, “The present Nigeria requires that all those who serve and lead must do so by example.

“The behavior, character and public conduct must be in consonance with what society requires today. We cannot continue to preach for people to sacrifice without sacrificing.

“The sacrifice must start from the leaders, visibly, measurably because the people are suffering and we must now be at the forefront of the suffering.”

Speaking, the Anambra Governor, Prof Charles Soludo, said the life of the deceased reflected ecumenism which was what his administration stood for.

He urged other ministers of God to emulate such lifestyle of late Archbishop Anikwenwa for a peaceful and developmental society.

Soludo, who spoke through his deputy, Dr. Onyekachi Ibezim, commiserated with the deceased family, encouraging them to take solace in the fact that their late father lived a good life and served God and humanity well.

The deceased’s son, Venerable Uche Anikwenwa, thanked all that consoled them through their esteemed presence and prayers.

He assured that the family would continue from where their father stopped in service to humanity and do their best to propagate goodness.

The Traditional Ruler of Umueri, Igwe Chinedu Emeka, eulogised the fallen cleric, saying that Anikwenwa was a clergy with different parts and always stood boldly to fight against bad morals. (NAN)

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