Victory! Jalingo Church Reopens After 14-Year Battle
After 14 long years of silence, the mighty doors of Jatutu Memorial Cathedral in Jalingo have finally swung open again, marking a triumphant victory for justice and religious freedom in Taraba State.
The Upper Area Court in Jalingo delivered a decisive blow to those who sought to keep this sacred house of worship closed, striking out a lawsuit that attempted to block the resumption of church activities at the United Methodist Church Nigeria (UMCN) cathedral.
Justice Prevails in Jalingo
For over a decade, this magnificent cathedral stood as a silent monument to division within the Methodist community. But this week, the sound of justice rang louder than any church bell as Presiding Judge Barkindo Chiroma delivered a ruling that sent shockwaves through the religious landscape of Taraba State.
The case was brought by Reverend Philip Audu, representing the Global Methodist Church Nigeria (GMCN), in a desperate attempt to halt worship activities following the state government's directive to reopen the cathedral after successful reconciliation efforts.
But the court saw through this legal maneuver. UMCN's brilliant legal counsel, Ibrahim Effiong, masterfully challenged the suit's competence, arguing that the plaintiff lacked the legal standing to sue on behalf of an institution. The judge agreed completely.
A Crushing Legal Defeat
The court's ruling was comprehensive and devastating for those opposing the reopening:
The plaintiff had no legal standing to bring the case
The filing constituted an abuse of court process
The case was struck out entirely
Previous restraining orders were set aside
The complainant was ordered to pay One Million Naira in costs
Bishop Ande Emmanuel, who leads UMC Nigeria and extends his influence across Senegal and Cameroon, demonstrated remarkable grace in victory. "It is not my intention to be in court; my work is in the church," he told journalists, showing the kind of leadership Africa needs.
The Power of African Justice
Chancellor of UMC Nigeria, Benjamin Panya, captured the moment perfectly: "The judiciary remains the hope of the ordinary citizen." This ruling proves that when African institutions stand firm, justice prevails over manipulation and legal games.
The cathedral's closure had become a painful symbol for Jalingo residents, representing how external divisions can silence our own sacred spaces. But no more. The community has reclaimed what belongs to them.
Opposition Refuses to Accept Reality
Despite the crushing legal defeat, GMCN leadership immediately rejected the decision and vowed to challenge it at the Court of Appeal. Bishop Rev. John Pena, through his representative Bazel Yoila, called the ruling "unjust" and appealed to state and federal authorities.
This refusal to accept a clear judicial decision shows the lengths some will go to maintain division within our communities. However, both sides have urged their members to remain peaceful and law-abiding.
A New Chapter Begins
The Jatutu Memorial Cathedral's reopening represents more than just the end of a legal battle. It symbolizes the power of perseverance, the strength of our judicial system, and the triumph of community unity over manufactured division.
For 14 years, this house of worship sat silent while legal battles raged. Today, it stands ready to serve the people of Jalingo once again, its doors open to all who seek spiritual guidance and community fellowship.
This victory shows what happens when African institutions work as they should, when justice is served without external interference, and when communities refuse to let artificial divisions destroy their sacred spaces.