The Akwa Ibom state government has shelved plans to charge a pastor with Christ Embassy Church to court for violating COVID-19 protocols in the state.
It will be recalled that on Sunday, COVID-19 protocol enforcement officials from the state government sealed up the church premises for holding service amidst the pandemic. Below is a statement made available to POLITICS NIGERIA, signed by the state commissioner for information, Charles Udoh;
“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.”
