The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Offiong Offiong, has again barred worshippers from accessing the University of Calabar Chapel of Redemption, despite a Federal High Court order restraining him from interfering with the church’s activities.
The development occurred on Sunday when university security personnel prevented members of the chapel from entering the premises to conduct their weekly service.
The court had, on August 4, issued an injunction restraining the vice-chancellor from interfering with the activities of the chapel or locking its premises. The order was sustained on August 20, with the substantive matter adjourned until September 2.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the security personnel told the worshippers that they were acting on a directive from the vice-chancellor.
The worshippers were subsequently ordered to leave the university premises and were forced to conduct their Sunday service on a nearby street in Calabar.
The incident is the second time in August that members of the church have been denied access to the chapel.
On August 16, worshippers were similarly prevented from entering the premises and held their service in the open around the fire service park on the university campus.
The dispute followed a series of administrative actions taken by Offiong against the chapel’s leadership.
The vice-chancellor had removed Rev. Joseph Ushie as chaplain of the church, evicted him from his university quarters and appointed Rev. Israel Eyo as interim chaplain.
He also suspended Prof. Essien Oku, chairman of the church council, dissolved the council and constituted a caretaker committee to oversee the affairs of the chapel.
Ushie subsequently approached the Federal High Court, challenging the actions of the university management.
The court thereafter issued an injunction restraining the vice-chancellor from interfering with the chapel’s activities pending the determination of the case.
However, the university’s Deputy Chief Security Officer, Monday Johnson, told the worshippers on Sunday that he was acting on an order and could risk his job if he allowed them to remain on the premises.
The worshippers eventually complied with the directive and relocated to a nearby street, where they held their service.
Speaking on the development, the Secretary of the church council, Imo Nse, said members had expected the court order to protect their right to worship while the case remained before the court.
“We remain committed to obeying the law; our only demand is freedom to worship while this matter remains before the court,” Nse said.
(The Whistler)
