There are strong indications that the collapse of a church building in Uyo, Akwa Ibom on Saturday was due to the pastor of the church ignoring a ‘stop work’ order given by the city’s Development Authority, Leadership, reports.
According to a source, sometime in 2013 at foundation level of the church, the Uyo Capital City Development Authority (UCCDA) put a ‘stop work’ sign at the Reigners Bible Church International.
He explained that the founder was asked to bring his building plan, structural design, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and other relevant documents relating to the building for assessment, professional advice, supervision and approval, even as it was required to pay necessary levies to UCCDA on behalf of government and other regulatory bodies like the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), but he refused.
According to him, in 2014, men of UCCDA visited the site again with the ‘stop work’ order, requesting the church to bring its drawing plan for assessment/approval given the topography of the land the church sits on, but the church ignored again.
He said, “On 16th July 2014, UCCDA marked the place again, but the church building committee and contractors, out of impunity and pride went ahead to construct the church, accusing the agency of fighting God.
“Pastor Akan Weeks used his connection in government to suppress UCCDA, and went ahead to raise such magnificent edifice without approval from UCCDA and other relevant agencies.”
But the pastor Apostle Akan Weeks, who spoke from his hospital bed on a Planet FM radio interview programme described the unfortunate incident as the handiwork of Satan.
“Let nobody believe the speculation that I was enthroned as a Bishop, the enthronement was cancelled completely and I am not interested. I’m more interested in the souls of the people I have laboured for to bring to God over the years since my tender age.
“I am so sorry and sympathise with all the families. Please, we should rise and pray together, we will win the battle.
“It is very unfortunate the incident that happened on Saturday during my Bishophric Enthronement, I call to say that God is still on the throne. Only God knows best and nobody can question him,” he said.
“And I want to say that for the departed souls and those who are injured, God will give them quick and speedy recovery. I want to tell every family that is in pain that our God is the healer.”
Dolapo is a writer and journalist who works with YNaija. He has interests in Christianity, politics and sports.
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