The president of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, and primate of the Church of Nigeria - Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Peter Akinola has warned the clergies of the Anglican church against unnecessary tussles for offices so as to avoid the wrath of God.

The CAN president disclosed this at the official inauguration of the Diocese of Okirika in Rivers State.

He said that the resolution for the creation of the new diocese was reached at their meeting in Asaba while the pioneer bishop of the diocese was elected in Maiduguri.

He noted that no part of the church constitution mandates them to choose a particular person for a specific office, adding, that until the constitution was amended, nobody had the power to appoint bishops as they were elected.

Akinola maintained that it was not possible for every member of the clergy to become a bishop and enjoined them to play the role to which God has assigned them effectively.

While urging the new diocese bishop, Rt Rev Tobakosemie Aber to embrace everybody in his new position and not to discriminate and victimise, the CAN president charged the clergy and laity to join hands in ensuring a fruitful service to God and humanity.

Delivering a sermon at the occasion, the Bishop of Kano, Rev. Zakka Nyam opined that the diocese of Okrika was fortunate to have the new bishop.

He is coming with a mission and nobody can stop him. He will accomplish it and this diocese will grow. You must come together and work together as a family. The church is not a venue for fighting but for worship," he said.

With the state governor as well as members of the state executive council President at the inauguration, Rev. Nyam expressed optimism that Okrika would witness an unprecedented outpouring of God's gifts and anointing, charging members of the diocese to be faithful, available and teachable.