REVEALED: Reigners church ignored ‘stop work’ order from UCCDA at foundation level


THE Reigners Bible Church International ignored ‘stop work’ warning from the Uyo Capital City Development Authority, UCCDA, and went ahead to erect the edifice, it was learnt yesterday.



The UCCDA was established by the Akwa Ibom State Edict 13 of 1988 and is vested with the responsibility of managing land within the capital city, designate sites for government and other projects, undertake public sensitisation, and organise stakeholders meetings, enforcement of and demolition of illegal structures, among others.

A source at UCCDA, who preferred anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, said the church building was marked “Stop work” by men of UCCDA at foundation level sometimes in 2013.

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 & approval, and was required to pay necessary levies to UCCDA on behalf of govt, and other regulatory body 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 and requested the church to bring its drawing plan for assessment/approval given the topography of the land the church sits on, but Reigners Bible Church International ignored the order.

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.”

In a statement by the Reigners Bible Church International and signed by its Area Pastor, Anietie Daniel, the church said: God will wipe away every tear from their eyes-Revelation 21:4.

The statement said: “On behalf of the entire family of Reigners Bible Church International, we share in the agony, pain and anguish of the injured, traumatized and deceased worshippers and guests as a result of the unfortunate collapse of the roof structure during the aborted Bishopric Enthronement Service of our General Overseer; Apostle Akan Weeks on Saturday 10th December at about 1130hours
“Following the mishap, the Apostle was NOT Consecrated at any location as widely reported. The Bishopric Enthronement was NEVER held at the church or anywhere else.

“The Church is reaching out to the afflicted in various hospitals to hold hands, pray and identify with them in this painful and sorrowful moment in the Body of Christ. God will wipe away every tear from their eyes-Revelation 21:4

“We Bless God for the demonstration of leadership and love by His Excellency, Our Governor, Government Officials, Medical Practitioners and Law Enforcement Officers. Also various individuals who have donated blood and relief materials, the Churches and brethren who are praying for and with us at this period of tribulation…Isaiah 43:2

“Our hearts go out to the families of the afflicted even as we pray for the repose of lost souls, divine direction and comfort. Isaiah 40:1″Comfort,yes, Comfort my people, says your God”

“God will Comfort us all and keep this City, State and Nation from danger and destruction in Jesus Mighty name.”
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  1. This is one of the menace of corruption. . If you don't kill corruption, cor ructions will kill you. There most be something wrong in the construction. My people let us stand against evil .

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  2. Even the Church is aiding and abetting corruption. The Church should lead example in obeying the law. The Bible says " Obey is better than sacrifice " 1 Samuel 15:22. but as many of such unfortunate incidences just like Synagogue Church of All Nations (TB Joshua) and another in Benin Edo State, the Church have been acting with impunity with respect to church building and blackmailing government agencies in charge of regulations and permits of fighting God.
    This can only happen in Third World countries where the so called men of God have been turned into demigods and have now seen themselves above the laws of the land.
    We should take a cue from majority Christian Countries such as UK , US and Europe and see how the church operates and abiding by the laws of the land.
    When even some state government has passed the law prohibiting excessive noise by churches and mosques you find them still flaunting the law and invoking the wrath of God in government for daring to challenge the Church.
    I urge the government to penalize and sanction whoever is found culpable just as was done in the SCOAN.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Even the Church is aiding and abetting corruption. The Church should lead example in obeying the law. The Bible says " Obey is better than sacrifice " 1 Samuel 15:22. but as many of such unfortunate incidences just like Synagogue Church of All Nations (TB Joshua) and another in Benin Edo State, the Church have been acting with impunity with respect to church building and blackmailing government agencies in charge of regulations and permits of fighting God.
    This can only happen in Third World countries where the so called men of God have been turned into demigods and have now seen themselves above the laws of the land.
    We should take a cue from majority Christian Countries such as UK , US and Europe and see how the church operates and abiding by the laws of the land.
    When even some state government has passed the law prohibiting excessive noise by churches and mosques you find them still flaunting the law and invoking the wrath of God in government for daring to challenge the Church.
    I urge the government to penalize and sanction whoever is found culpable just as was done in the SCOAN.

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  4. So you marked the house at the level of construction of the foundation but what happened then? Sebi una collect una share of egunje come leave them? We know that it is what is happening every where. No matter how standard an engineer or contractors may comply in their work they must bribe the authorities concerned to get it approved. On the other hand, anybody can build any substandard buildings and still get approval after paying and bribing those involved. That is the gospel truth. So The church must have bribed those concerned. QED!

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  5. This new phrase "we bless God", sound somehow arrogant. How can a creature bless the Creator? Someone should please clarify it.

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  6. I don't know if this allegation is true but churches MUST set an example in obeying laws. Too many churches are building places of worship in clearly designated residential areas and without getting any building approval which are clearly against the law and against Christ's admonition that we should give unto Ceaser what is Ceaser's and unto God what is God's. The church must lead the way in doing what is right. God does not need man's help to spread the gospel he simply uses us.

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  7. The pastor and his entire management needs to be arrested and face that law. This is not the wish of God or neither any enemy, this is what they did out of greed and their stupidity.

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  8. if in a civilised country, Akan Weeks supposed be in prison custody by now for ignoring all 'Safety' advice,standards and procedure and went ahead to erect such structure that was design by local bricklayer 4rm his village in Etinan. Gov Udom shld order the immediate arrest and prosecution of this 419er (Akan Weeks)for shading these innocent bloods. Nigeria govt shld henceforth emphasised and enforce safety standards in all construction and other activities nationwide to avoid reoccurence of these scenerio.note also that there was a stampede in SCOAN in lagos that same last saturday were four persons lose their lives.u cant ignore safety and expect safety to abide wth you.SHORTCUT CUT LIVES SHORT.

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  9. The church wanted to copy winners chapel 50,000 church roof structure without supporting beams. they failed to realize that alot of professional input was put in place giving the fact that Dr. Oyedepo the founder is an Architect by profession. God will never do evil, He has given us choices and as such we abuse it. you can throw caution the wind to embark on a project that has portent dangers. the Bible say "my people are perish for lack of knowledge" this is just atypical example.

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  10. The mgt of the edifice have not answered the question: Did they secure approval for the house or not?

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