The Lagos state government has stated that worship centres in the state remain closed, even after the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 announced a relaxation on the nationwide COVID-19 curfew, and easing of lockdown, even on worship centres.
The Federal Government had on Monday lifted the ban on worship centres, particularly on Mosques and Churches in the country based on guidelines and protocols agreed with state governments.
According to the report obtained from the Nations, the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, fielding questions from Journalists on Tuesday at a press briefing commemorating the first year in office of Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu held in Lagos, said the possibility of reopening worship centres (Churches and Mosques) in the state had been ruled out.
Elegushi said, “Even before the pronouncement by Federal Government, we have been having a meeting 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.”
He added; “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 the 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. We will call the two faith together and discuss the pronouncement and I can assure you that they will tell us not to do it.’’