By Ita Williams
The crisis at the Chapel of Redemption, University of Calabar, Cross River State, deepened on Sunday after worshippers were again denied access to the church premises for their regular service.
The worshippers were reportedly stopped by armed security personnel of the university, who claimed that they were acting on a directive from the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Offiong Effanga Offiong.
The fresh restriction came despite a subsisting interim injunction granted by a Federal High Court.
The court had restrained the Vice-Chancellor from interfering with the chapel’s activities or preventing worshippers from accessing the church premises.
The injunction was reportedly granted on August 4 and sustained on August 20, when the case was adjourned until September 2.
The security personnel allegedly refused to allow members of the congregation into the chapel and directed them to vacate the university campus.
The worshippers complied and relocated their Sunday service to a nearby street.
The incident was similar to the events of August 16, when members were also 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 of the church and the appointment of Rev. Israel Eyo as interim chaplain.
Ushie was also reportedly evicted from his university quarters.
In addition, Prof. Essien Oku, chairman of the church council, was suspended, while the council was dissolved and replaced with a caretaker committee.
The decisions prompted Ushie to approach the Federal High Court to challenge the actions of the university authorities.
His counsel, Mba Ukweni, SAN, argued that the Vice-Chancellor lacked the authority under the University of Calabar Act to administer or control the affairs of the church.
The university’s Deputy Chief Security Officer, Mr. Monday Johnson, reportedly told the worshippers that he could face consequences at work if he failed to enforce the directive.
The congregation subsequently moved outside the university and continued its service.
However, while the service was in progress, university authorities allegedly reported to the Cross River Police Command that the worshippers had barricaded the university’s entrance.
DCP Godwin Etim reportedly visited the location with police personnel and, after assessing the situation, found that the allegation was untrue.
Speaking on the development, the Secretary of the church council, Mr. Imo Nse, said the congregation expected the subsisting injunction to protect its right to worship pending the determination of the case.
He said, “We remain committed to obeying the law. Our only demand is freedom to worship while this matter remains before the court.”
