Umahi Lifts Ban On Religious Gathering In Ebonyi
By Joyce Aroh Abakaliki
Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi has lifted the ban on all the religious gathering in the state following the passionate appeal made by the leadership of the Christian Association Of Nigeria, CAN.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Barr. Uchenna Orji, said that Governor directed reopening of all the religious centre with effect from 15th May 2020
The statement said that Governor Umahi, after having prayerfully reviewed the request of the state leaders, “directed that religious centres in the state should re-open for worship once a week, effective from 15th May, 2020 under the following conditions:
“All churches are to observe their service only on Sunday from 9 am to 11 am. Seventh-Day Adventist and Muslim faithful are to observe their service on Saturday and Friday respectively from 9 am – 11 am. No religious centre shall permit more than 500 people (in the case of big churches) and worshipers shall observe a minimum of 2-meter social distancing from one another.”
The statement further added that wearing of face masks, washing of hands with running water and use of hand sanitizers must be strictly observed in all religious centres.
“No religious service is allowed to hold any other day other than the days specified herein and which must be in strict observance of all COVID-19 Laws and regulations.
“Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has a duty to close down any religious gathering and arrest the principal of the worship centre that violates this order.”
The statement also urged all religious bodies in the state to use the opportunity of the window of worship to create awareness among their members on the protocols, policies, laws and regulations regarding COVID-19 and to pray for the state and Nigeria