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COVID-19: FG, states on collision course over reopening of churches, mosques

Anthony Iwuoma

The Federal Government and some states may clash over the reopening of mosques and churches.

Four northern states – Borno, Gombe, Adamawa and Zamfara – had on Thursday announced that  mosques and churches be reopened for worship activities.

However, the Federal Government is not pleased with the development, which it says could roll back the gains of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Federal Government said it was not consulted before the steps were taken according to the COVID-19 protocol.

Moreover, the Federal Government believes it is premature to so act as the virus is still spreading fast.

As at last night, the number of confirmed infected cases had surpassed the 5,000, with close to 200 deaths recorded.

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Consequently, the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, has resolved to engage with the governors.

Lai Mohammed, Minister for Information and Culture, said: “We are always working together with the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF). We believe that the governors won’t do anything that will put in jeopardy all we have achieved in the last few weeks of lockdown. So, I think it is better that we continue the engagement and I am sure that the chairman of the taskforce who is constantly in touch with the governments will take up this matter and we hope that he will be able to give a feedback.”

In reooening mosques and churches in Gombe State, Governor Muhammadu Yahaya said places of worship could be opened, only when members wear face masks, keep physical distance, maintain regular handwashing and the use of hand sanitisers.

Yahaya said members of aid groups in mosques and the Boys Brigade in churches would be trained to ensure full compliance and the enforcement of the protective measures, warning that any violation of the measures would force him to reverse the decision to ease the lockdown.

In Adamawa State, Press Secretary to governor, Mr. Humwashi Wonosikou, in a statement said: “Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has eased the restriction on worship places and social gatherings earlier imposed on the state, following the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic.

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“Churches, Mosques and the international cattle markets under lockdown can now reopen.”

The Borno State government also approved religious gathering in strict adherence with physical distancing and use of facemasks.

According to Deputy governor, who is also the COVID-19 Response Committee Chairman in the state: “All churches shall conduct church services as recommended by Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Borno Chapter in strict adherence with social distancing and use of facemasks.

“The ban on the sales and consumption of liquor and other intoxicating substances is still in force. Defaulters will be dealt with severely in accordance with the liquor law.”

In Zamfara, Governor Bello Matawalle in a radio broadcast, also lifted the ban on congregational prayers in Mosques and Churches.

He said: “I want to commend the people of the state for supporting government in our effort to frustrate the spread of coronavirus in our dear state by complying with the lockdown orders.

“In the light of this, therefore, we are suspending restrictions on congregational prayers in Mosques and Churches while appealing to people not to converge in large numbers at the same time.”

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