– Lagos State Government Rules Out The Reopening Of Church
The Lagos state government under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has ruled out the reopening of Churches and Mosques in Lagos state due to disagreement on protocols and guidelines between the state government and religious leaders.
Earlier this week, The federal government ordered the reopening of religious centers in the nation following it’s initial closure in March due to the fear of Coronavirus in the nation. The federal government also added that the reopening could be subjected to review by each state government.
The Lagos state government has however said the possibility of worshipers converging in their worship centers has been ruled out as religious leaders have continued to disagree on the guidelines issued.
Speaking today at a press briefing commemorating the first year in office of the state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the state Commissioner for Home Affairs, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, said religious leaders in the state have said they cannot take responsibility for the number of worshippers that come into their worship centers
“Even before the pronouncement by the Federal Government, we have been having meetings with the religious leaders. We even have one with safety Commission, looking at the possibility of reopening of religious houses. We also had one with the leaders of the two faith and I want to tell you categorically that at that meeting, the possibility of reopening religious houses was ruled out totally.
“They 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 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. The Federal Government mentioned it, but it never ruled out the state in achieving that pronouncement, so all states will have to look at possibility of doing so in their respective states.
“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,” he said.
