The site of the collapsed building Augustine is the architect in charge of the Reigners’ Bible Church building that collapsed in Uyo on Saturday, December 10, 2016.
The order was from the commission of inquiry set up by the Akwa Ibom State government to unravel why the cause ofthe incident.
The chairman of the commission, Justice Umoekoyo Essang (rtd), having listened to Mr. Ini Ekpo, counsel to founder of the Reigners’ Bible Church, Apostle Akan Weeks, also adjourned hearing on the matter to Friday, January6.Ekpo said all the relevant documents, like architectural design, building plan, and the survey plan, were with Augustine, who has been held in the police custody.
He noted that except Augustine was released to give evidence, the case would not be smooth sailing.Counsel to Augustine, Mr Ekanem Ekanem, said the action for his client’s release has been long overdue.
He added that they had tried to release himsince he was detained, but their efforts have been futile.He explained that Augustine’s release would bring to light many things that were not in the open, adding that his client was being detained“for being the one to design the structure”although he knew that his client did not design any of the aspects of the collapsed church building.
His words:“He (Augustine) merely volunteered to carry out the design, which was already made by people that he has named; somebody designed the roof, somebody designed the structure, so he merely came to supervise what was already planned, drawn and designed.“I met him on two occasions while in detention and he told me what I’m just telling you now.
I asked him what was his roles; he said nothing, that he merely volunteered as he worshipped inthat church to check the work. He told me that he only joined the workforce as a professed member and worshipper of the church.
“Why do we now leave the people, who designed the building and mapped out everything to concentrate on the peoplethat merely assisted? It is like leaving the substance to pursue shadows.”
Meanwhile, the Christian Association of Nigeria(CAN) have advised churches to stop holding worship services inside buildings under construction to avoid a repeat of the Uyo church collapse.
CAN also called for sanctions to be meted out to those who are responsiblefor the construction of buildings with substandard materials across the country.
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