Akwa Ibom State Government says it has dropped charges filed against Pastor Emmanuel Effiong of Christ Embassy Church, Uyo zonal headquarters for allegedly assaulting the COVID-19 Church Compliance Monitoring Team.
Commissioner of Information, Charles Udoh, stated this in a release on Wednesday.
Mr Udoh said the pastor apologised to the state government and promised to adhere to coronavirus prevention guidelines.
“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 statement read.
“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/Nigeria 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.”
The commissioner enjoined all churches to ensure strict adherence to stipulated guidelines.
The statement was silent on the church’s law suit against the state.
