By Christian Njoku, NAN
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Offiong Offiong, on Sunday barred worshippers from accessing the University of Calabar Chapel of Redemption for their service.
The development occurred despite a Federal High Court injunction restraining the vice-chancellor from interfering with the chapel’s activities or locking its premises.
The court had issued the injunction on Aug. 4 and sustained it on Aug. 20, with the matter adjourned until Sept. 2.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that university security personnel prevented members of the Chapel from entering the church premises, claiming they had received directive from the vice-chancellor to prevent the service.
The security officials also ordered the worshippers to leave the university campus, forcing them to relocate their service to a nearby street.
The development was similar to the situation on Aug. 16, when worshippers were denied access and held an open-air service around the fire service park in the university.
Earlier, Offiong had removed Rev. Joseph Ushie as the chapel’s chaplain, evicted him from his university quarters and appointed an interim chaplain, Rev. Israel Eyo.
The vice-chancellor also suspended Prof. Essien Oku, chairman of the church council, and dissolved the council against the provisions of the church’s constitution.
He subsequently appointed a caretaker committee to oversee the affairs of the church, prompting Ushie to approach the Federal High Court.
NAN reports that Mr Monday Johnson, Deputy Chief Security Officer, in the university had said his job was at risk if the worshippers refused to leave the university premises as they were acting on an order.
The worshippers complied and moved to a nearby street, where they conducted their service.
However, during the service, university authorities allegedly informed the Cross River Police Command that the worshippers had barricaded the university entrance.
DCP Godwin Etim arrived with police personnel and, after observing the situation, discovered 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 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.
Counsel to Ushie, Mba Ukweni, SAN, had argued that the Vice-Chancellor lacked authority under the University of Calabar Act to administer or control the church.
The court adjourned the case until Sept. 2 for arguments on the substantive application.
(NAN)