Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, weekend has started moves to reconcile aggrieved parties in the Qua Iboe Church congregation he worships in Uyo, the state capital.
The church, which is one of the largest congregations in the state is located at No. 112 Ikot Ekpene Road, a major gateway into the state capital.
It is not only the governor’s congregation but serves many top politicians and bureaucrats from the state.
The congregation which had enjoyed a little respite from the lingering name-change crisis has witnessed renewed conflict as the two warring factions escalate their campaigns.
Normal activities of the church have been disrupted following attempts by the two different factions each backed by priests struggle to take charge of things in the place of worship.
Worshippers who turned up for service on Sunday morning were locked out while 10 truck-loads of heavily-armed policemen were deployed to forestall the breakdown of law and order.
A high-ranking member of the church told The NEXT EDITION correspondent in confidence that very powerful persons who are averse to the name “Qua Iboe” were responsible for the crisis.
“Our church was established in 1887 and that was when the name was conceived. But some years back, some very influential members started canvassing for the name of the church to be changed,” he said.
“Majority of the church members resisted and the case was taken to court. The case is still in the court but they are still pushing with the name change because they have money and power.”
But while the church’s crisis rages, Mr. Emmanuel has said he is committed to a peaceful resolution.
The governor, who was reacting to insinuations that he has taken sides in the crisis, said the allegations were unfounded.
Mr. Emmanuel was said to have on Thursday, September 26, convened a meeting to bring the two contending parties to a peaceful settlement.
“It is very wrong for certain elements to make unfounded allegations concerning my role in the local assembly along Ikot Ekpene Road.
“At the peace meeting I had with the leadership of the church on Thursday, September 26, I had outlined the processes and plans for peace to return to both the local and the national leadership of the church.
“The parties were very satisfied with the plans outlined and went back very happy. Very soon, we hope to see the full restoration of peace and understanding between the two groups.
“I think it is sad and unfortunate for some people to exploit the matter and make unfounded allegations,” the governor is quoted to have said.
