COVID-19: Stop blaming security agencies — Archbishop Ibezim

….says God’ll roll away Covid-19 same way he rolled Jesus’ stone at Easter

Archbishop, Province of the Niger, Anglican Communion, and Bishop of Awka Anglican Diocese, Rt. Rev. Alexander C. Ibezim has cautioned the general public against allegations on security agencies enforcing the stay at home order across the country.

He urged the people to do their part by obeying simple government directives before pointing accusing fingers on the law enforcement agencies.

Archbishop Ibezim stressed that the security agencies needed support rather than accusations.

“We need to be careful on allegations on the security agencies. I advise we do our own little part. At times we’re so fast to blame security men. But the duty they’re performing now is a very difficult one. Both security personnel and all of us must be committed to the course,” Archbishop Ibezim stressed.

The Awka Anglican Bishop also called on Christians to have faith in God in the midst of the ravaging coronavirus pandemic, saying it would soon be over.

Archbishop Ibezim said the resurrection power of Jesus would terminate the scourge the same way it rolled away the stone at the tomb of Jesus on the day of His resurrection.

Speaking to newsmen in Awka on Sunday after a special broadcast service to mark the Easter celebration, Ibezim said the church should emulate the courage of the women who went to the Jesus’ tomb with a burden of how to roll away the stone, but were surprised to meet an empty tomb.

He described the theme of the celebration, “Who will roll away the stone?” as significant to the church especially at a time the world was looking for solution to the pandemic which had claimed thousands of lives across the world.

He said, “The church was reminded of what the faithful women that went to the tomb of Jesus early to annoint Jesus body did. They were burdened with one particular question, “Who will roll away the stone?”

“As women, they were physically powerless, not that they were spiritually powerless. They had the burden of rolling away the stone to enable them annoint Jesus body. But they, on approaching the tomb discovered that the stone has been rolled away.

“This is significant for us as a church especially in a moment the whole world is crying over who will role away the stone of coronavirus, a disease killing thousands of people all over the world.

“We had of case that has entered Anambra. Even scientists are all battling, civilized world still struggling, nobody knows what to do.

“This coronavirus we’ve seen and witnessing devastation all over, it will be terminated, having fallen into the Easter season. Even though we’re celebrating in little groups, God will answer our prayers.

“Just like the stone in the tomb was rolled away, by the supernatural power of God, that’s the same way this coronavirus will be terminated.

“Don’t be afraid. You won’t die like a grasshopper. Once you fear death, it will come to you. But when you stand and believe in the resurrection power of Jesus, then you won’t be like those dying anyhow.

“The spirit of death is smelling everywhere. But single yourself that you’ll live and not die, because Jesus lives.”

While commending the efforts of the state government in fighting the pandemic, the Archbishop called for more support through community commitment as well as abiding by the rules and regulations stipulated by the government.

“We need to adhere to all the directives as simple as they may be in order to augment government efforts. There’s need to be more careful because when you think you’re getting result, that’s when the enemy attacks,” Archbishop Ibezim added.