By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar
Worshippers at the Chapel of Redemption, University of Calabar, were on Sunday forced to relocate their service to a nearby street after armed university security personnel allegedly barred them from accessing the church premises.
The security personnel reportedly told the worshippers that they were acting on a directive from the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Offiong Offiong, amid an ongoing leadership dispute over the management of the chapel.
The development came despite an interim injunction reportedly issued by the Federal High Court on August 4, restraining the Vice-Chancellor from interfering with the activities of the chapel or locking its premises.
The order was said to have been sustained on August 20, with the court adjourning the case until September 2 for arguments on the substantive application.
The latest incident was similar to what occurred on August 16, when worshippers were reportedly denied access to the chapel and held an open-air service around the university fire service park.
The dispute followed the removal of Rev. Joseph Ushie as chaplain by the Vice-Chancellor, his reported eviction from university quarters and the appointment of Rev. Israel Eyo as interim chaplain.
Prof. Offiong also reportedly suspended Prof. Essien Oku, chairman of the church council, dissolved the council and appointed a caretaker committee to oversee the affairs of the chapel.
The actions prompted Rev. Ushie to approach the Federal High Court, with his counsel, Mba Ukweni, SAN, arguing that the Vice-Chancellor lacked authority under the University of Calabar Act to administer or control the church.
On Sunday, Mr Monday Johnson, Deputy Chief Security Officer of the university, reportedly told the worshippers that his job was at risk if they refused to leave the campus, insisting that the security personnel were acting on an order.
The worshippers eventually moved to a nearby street and conducted their service there. During the service, university authorities allegedly informed the Cross River State Police Command that the worshippers had barricaded the university entrance.
DCP Godwin Etim reportedly arrived at the scene with police personnel and, after assessing the situation, found that the allegation was untrue and left the area.
Mr Imo Nse, Secretary of the church council, said members expected the court’s injunction to protect their right to worship pending the determination of the case.
“We remain committed to obeying the law. Our only demand is freedom to worship while this matter remains before the court,” he said.
The court is expected to hear arguments on the substantive application on September 2.
