Patrick Ekpoh
Akwa Ibom State Government said Wednesday that it has dropped all the charges preferred against Emmanuel Effiong, a pastor of the Christ Embassy church, located at Nung Akpa Ime, off Nsikak Eduok Avenue, Uyo.
Effiong was arrested on Sunday, June.21,2020 and the church sealed by the state government for allegedly flouting COVID-19 guidelines during the Congregational worship held on Sunday.
But the state Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Mr. Charles Udoh, in a statement in Uyo said having listen to entreaties from individuals and groups, the government has decided to drop charges against the pastor.
The statement reads in part “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 commissioner disclosed that the Church and the pastor had already tendered apologies to the state government and promised to adhere to all protocols and guidelines adopted by various agencies of government to curb the spread of disease in the state.
“The church and the pastor habe since tendered an unreserved apology to the state government, promising to adhere to the Akwa Ibom State
Government/Nigerian Centre for Disease Control, the World Health Organisation , the Christian Association’s Guidelines and Protocols adopted to prevent community spreading of the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic in Akwa Ibom State” he said
He reminded all churches in the state of the need to ensure strict adherence to all stipulated guidelines.
