Police Step In as Dispute Disrupts UNICAL Church Service
A church service at the University of Calabar’s Chapel of Redemption was stopped on Sunday after a dispute over the leadership of the service raised fears of a possible clash among worshippers. The situation reportedly began when the university’s caretaker committee and an interim chaplain appointed by the Vice-Chancellor attempted to assume control of the service being conducted by the chapel’s chaplain, Rev. Joseph Ushie. The disagreement created tension inside the chapel, prompting police officers to intervene and bring the service to an end. The Deputy Commissioner of Police in Cross River State, Godwin Etim, said the decision was taken to prevent the situation from escalating into violence. He explained that the level of tension at the scene suggested that allowing the service to continue could result in a breakdown of law and order. According to him, he held discussions with the chapel’s chaplain, the interim chaplain and a member of the church’s Board of Trustees before the parties agreed to suspend the service. The police subsequently invited representatives of the opposing sides to a meeting at the command on Monday and appealed to them to remain calm while efforts are made to resolve the dispute. The development comes amid an ongoing legal disagreement involving the chapel leadership and the university authorities. A Federal High Court in Port Harcourt had previously issued an interim order restraining the university’s Vice-Chancellor and anyone acting on his behalf from interfering with the chapel’s premises and activities. The case was filed by Rev. Ushie against the Vice-Chancellor, the university registrar and other parties. The court also directed the parties to maintain the existing situation pending the hearing and determination of the substantive case, which is scheduled for August 20. The latest incident has therefore added to the tension surrounding the leadership dispute, with the police urging all parties to avoid actions that could threaten peace or disrupt worship activities.
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