CALABAR – The Assemblies of God Nigeria has directed Rev. (Dr) Joseph Litiamliwenbe Ushie to drop his bid for another tenure as Chaplain of the University of Calabar Chapel of Redemption, citing a “prevailing toxic atmosphere” in the chapel which it said was inimical to effective ministry NEGROIDHAVEN can say.
The directive was contained in a letter dated October 14, 2025, signed by the General Secretary of the Assemblies of God Nigeria, Rev. Godwin A. Amaowoh, and addressed to the Chairman of the Council of the Chapel of Redemption.
The church said the decision followed a petition dated July 14, 2025, against Ushie’s continued stay as chaplain and submissions received from the parties involved during a meeting with the Board of Administration of the General Council on October 7, 2025.
According to the letter, the Board, after considering the allegations against Ushie and the prevailing atmosphere in the chapel, directed him not to seek renewal of his tenure when his current tenure expires.
The Board also directed the cleric to withdraw his services from the Chapel of Redemption and return to the Calabar District Presbytery for reassignment to another place of ministry.
The letter stated that the prevailing situation in the chapel was considered detrimental to the effective ministry of any minister.
The Assemblies of God Nigeria also expressed regret over what it described as acts of misrepresentation by Ushie and apologised to the Council and Board of Trustees of the Chapel of Redemption.
“The Board deeply regrets any acts of misrepresentation by our minister, apologizes for them and asks for forgiveness while seeking the sustenance of the relationship,” the letter stated.
However, the church acknowledged Ushie’s achievements during his tenure, saying it would not lose sight of the positive aspects of his ministry.
It also commended the decision of the Chapel Council and Board of Trustees to accord Ushie a befitting treatment upon his exit in accordance with the constitution.
The church said an earlier decision reached by the Board on October 7, 2025, was not acted upon at the time because of ongoing court litigation, adding that the decision had been communicated verbally to the Chapel leadership.
The Board consequently directed the Calabar District Presbytery to receive Ushie back and assign him another place of ministry after his exit from the university chapel.
The development follows a prolonged dispute surrounding the leadership of the University of Calabar Chapel of Redemption, with the October 14 letter representing the formal position of the Assemblies of God Nigeria on Ushie’s continued tenure at the chapel.
Copies of the letter were sent to the Executive Officers of the Assemblies of God Nigeria, the Board of Trustees of the Chapel of Redemption, the Calabar District Presbytery, Rev. Ushie and other relevant parties.
