Akwa Ibom State government has backed down on prosecuting a pastor and videographer of Christ Embassy Church in Uyo, the state capital, for flouting COVID-19 Guidelines.
Pastor Emmanuel Effiong and Gabriel Ekpa videographer in the church were arrested and detained on Sunday, June 21 for allegedly assaulting the COVID-19 monitoring team in the state. They were accused of attacking the officials who were out to ensure observance of COVID-19 Guidelines by religious centres observed the COVID-19 guidelines while the church was sealed.
A statement released by Charles Udoh, the State Commissioner for Information, said the state government’s decision to drop the charges against Effiong followed entreaties from well-meaning individuals and groups.
Udoh stated that the church and the pastor have also tendered an unreserved apology to the State government, and pledged to adhere to all the guidelines and protocols adopted to prevent community spreading of the novel Coronavirus in the state.
“Following entreaties from well-meaning individuals and groups, the Akwa Ibom State Government has dropped charges against Pastor Emmanuel Effiong of Christ Embassy Church, Nung Akpa Ime branch, off Nsikak Eduok Avenue, Uyo.
The church and the pastor have since tendered an unreserved apology to the state government while promising to adhere to the Akwa Ibom State Government/Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)/World Health Organisation (WHO)/Christian Association (CAN) Guidelines and Protocols adopted to prevent community spreading of the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic in Akwa Ibom State.
All churches are reminded of the need to ensure strict adherence to all stipulated guidelines” the statement read.
