COVID 19: Sanwo-Olu Dashes Hopes, Directs Churches, Mosques To Remain Shut

By Fola James

Churches and mosques in Lagos state will remain closed for now, the state government has said.

The federal government had on Monday lifted ban on faith based groups in the country subject to safety protocols of various state governments.

But the state government has now disclosed that the state has reached an understanding with the two major religions where the opening of worship centers was ruled out.

The Commissioner for Home Affairs, Prince Anofiu Elegus made this known while responding to reporters at the ministerial briefing to mark Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu one year in office.

Elegushi said, “even before the pronouncement by Federal Government, we have been having meeting with the religious leaders, we even had one with safety Commission. Looking at the possibility of reopening of religious houses.

The central government on Monday lifted the ban on Mosques and Churches in the country based on guidelines and protocols agreed with state governments.

We also had one with the leaders of the two faith and I want to tell you categorically that at that meeting, possibility of reopening religious houses was ruled out totally.

The state said the leadership of various religious bodies are not prepared to take responsibility for the safety of their members.

The faith based bodies ‘’claimed that they cannot take such responsibility of ensuring that only 20 or 50 people are praying behind them.

Like an Imam said he doesn’t know what is going on at the back immediately he is leading a prayer. He said if more than 20 or 50 people are staying at his back he is not going to take responsibility for their presence

So in the meeting we ruled out in totality the issue of reopening the religious houses until we have a clear coast for us to do so.”

He said the state is worried over the spike in the number of corona virus cases in the last few days and cannot afford to take chances.

‘’We all know Lagos is still having more figures, so definitely that will speak to our decision.

But the governor of the state will come out with further directives from that directive.

We will call the two faith together and discuss the pronouncement and I can assure you that they themselves will tell us not to do it,’’ Elegushi said.