By Akpan David, Calabar
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Offiong Offiong, has allegedly deployed armed university security personnel to prevent worshippers at the Chapel of Redemption, located within the university premises, from accessing the church for Sunday service.
The development is the latest in a protracted leadership dispute within the chapel, with different factions laying claim to its leadership. The Vice-Chancellor is also alleged to have insisted on having a say in the appointment of the church’s chaplain.
The latest incident occurred on Sunday when armed university security personnel reportedly blocked worshippers from entering the chapel, saying they were acting on a directive from the Vice-Chancellor to prevent the service.
The security personnel allegedly ordered the worshippers to leave the university premises, forcing them to relocate their service to a nearby street.
The development is similar to what occurred on August 16, when worshippers were reportedly denied access to the chapel and subsequently held an open-air service around the university fire service park.
The dispute escalated after Prof. Offiong removed Rev. Joseph Ushie as chaplain, reportedly evicted him from his university quarters and appointed Rev. Israel Eyo as interim chaplain.
The Vice-Chancellor also reportedly suspended Prof. Essien Oku, chairman of the church council, and dissolved the council, actions which the aggrieved faction said contravened the church’s constitution.
He subsequently appointed a caretaker committee to oversee the affairs of the chapel, prompting Rev. Ushie to approach the Federal High Court for redress.
The court, on August 4, issued an interim injunction restraining the Vice-Chancellor from interfering with the activities of the chapel or locking its premises.
The order was reportedly sustained on August 20, with the case adjourned until September 2 for hearing of arguments on the substantive application.
Deputy Chief Security Officer of the university, Monday Johnson, 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 complied and moved to a nearby street where they conducted their service.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Godwin Etim arrived at the scene with police personnel and, after observing the situation, found that the allegation was unfounded and left the area.
Speaking on the development, Mr Imo Nse, Secretary of the church council, said members had 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.
Counsel to Rev. Ushie, Mba Ukweni, SAN, had argued that the Vice-Chancellor lacked the authority under the University of Calabar Act to administer or control the church.
The matter has been adjourned until September 2 for arguments on the substantive application.
