UniCal VC defies court, bars worshippers from chapel again

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.

This is in spite of 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 August 4 and sustained it on August 20, with the matter adjourned until September 2.

The News Agency of Nigeria 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 is similar to the situation on August 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  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.

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,” he said.