By SUNNY OKIM

The Akwa Ibom State Government has dropped charges earlier made against Christ Embassy church in Uyo, capital of Akwa Ibom State, and the branch head, Pastor Emmanuel Effiong.

The charges were made after the COVID-19 Task Force in the state visited the church on Sunday and was found to have gone against the guidelines given to churches in order to stop the spread of coronavirus.

Security men at the church premises also purportedly prevented members of the Task Force from gaining entry into the church hall.

But in a statement issued earlier today and signed by the Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Udoh made available to News Express; the state government has withdrawn the charges following entreaties by well meaning individuals and an unreserved apology tendered by the said pastor of the church.

The full statement reads:

CHARGES AGAINST CHRIST EMBASSY PASTOR DROPPED

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.

Signed

Charles Udoh,KSJ

Commissioner for Information

Akwa Ibom State

June 24, 2020

Update news