Church marked for demolition after pastor criticised governor’s succession plan

27 Aug Church marked for demolition after pastor criticised governor’s succession plan

The Akwa Ibom State Government has marked a popular metropolitan church in Uyo, Holy Ghost Ambassadors Ministry International, for demolition.

Nyeneime Andy, the senior pastor of the church, has been very outspoken against the alleged plan by the State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, to foist a successor on the oil-rich state in 2023.

Andy was also invited by Nigeria’s secret police, the SSS, for questioning on Wednesday over his comments on politics in the state, a close associate of the pastor said.

The Uyo Capital City Development Authority (UCCDA), marked the church building on Wednesday for demolition.

Eshiet Freddy, head of Town Planning Department, UCCDA, in the notice, who denied claims that the notice was due to criticism of the Governor, said the church building did not meet the planning standards for approval.

Mr Freddy said the structure negates minimum requirements in terms of space standard, building line and area distribution.

“It is worthy to note that you are occupying/constructing an illegal structure without prior approval from the authority. The said illegal structure constitutes an offence and contravenes provisions of Town and Country Planning Law Cap. 133, Laws of Akwa Ibom State.

“In view of the above, you are hereby given seven (7) days’ notice within which to remove the said illegal development and reinstate the land to its original state,” Mr Freddy said in the notice.

The city development authority said the government would be forced to demolish the building if the church fails to comply with the order.

The two-storey building, which was started in 2012, has been serving as a worship centre for many years.

Andy, in a recent press briefing, condemned an alleged plan by the governor to impose a successor in 2023.

“In 2023, it will be a government of the people, for the people and by the people. We will not allow one person to choose a governor for a state of over 6 million people,” Mr Andy had said.