Okezie Ikpeazu, Abia State governor, has ordered the closure of the Apostolic Christian Church Mission, Omuma Road, Aba, as a result of a leadership crisis going on in the church.
The governor said the church is to be shut till further notice.
In a special announcement signed by the Secretary to Abia State Government, Chris Ezem, Ikpeazu warned, “Any attempt by any person or group of persons to flout or undermine this directive will be met with severe consequences.”
The governor further directed that “no religious activity or any other activity whatsoever including the intended church convention should be held at the church premises, 34 Omuma Road Aba, or Eziama High School, Aba, or any other location in and around Abia State.
“As a result, therefore, the governor directed the Commissioner of Police, Abia State, and the Brigade Commander, 14 Brigade, Ohafia, to seal up the said premises, as well as ensure full compliance with this government directive.
“The church is engulfed in a leadership struggle that has been threatening the existence of the church and its environs.
“Following the inability of stakeholders to reconcile the parties involved, the government has to step in to ensure peace reigns.”