No fewer than 12 out of Nigeria’s 36 states allow Churches open to worshippers on Sunday May 24, weeks after places of worship were shut to curtail the spread of COVID-19.
At the last count, Nasarawa, Ebonyi, Delta, Bauchi, Taraba, Rivers, Gombe, Adamawa, Katsina, Cross River, Kogi, and Borno States have lifted ban on religious gatherings after negotiations with Christian and Muslim leaders in the states.
Benue State which had earlier on Thursday May 21, announced the suspension of ban on worship centres, rescinded its decision on Saturday May 23.
The states had at different times imposed the ban to check the spread of the dreaded virus, which has so far killed 200 people in Nigeria. The federal government announced the lockdown in Lagos, Ogun and the Federal Capital Territory because of the high numbers of cases they recorded.
As of May 23, Nigeria had a total of 7,261 COVID-19 cases.
A breakdown of the 7,261 confirmed cases shows that Lagos State has so far reported 3,224 cases, followed by Kano – 883, FCT – 447, Katsina – 308, Borno – 247, Jigawa – 241, Bauchi – 230, Oyo – 199, Ogun – 196, Kaduna – 179, Gombe – 145, Edo – 144, Sokoto – 116, Rivers – 89, Zamfara – 76, Kwara – 73, Plateau – 71, Yobe – 47, Osun – 42, Nasarawa – 38, Kebbi – 32, Delta – 31, Adamawa – 27, Niger – 23, Ondo – 23, Ebonyi – 22, Akwa Ibom – 21, Ekiti – 20, Taraba – 18, Enugu – 16 Bayelsa – 8, Imo – 7, Abia – 7, Anambra – 6, and Benue – 5.
NASARAWA STATE
Nasarawa State in the north central zone of Nigeria imposed a ban on religious gatherings on March 2.
The state, which has almost equal numbers of Christians and Muslims, has 38 confirmed cases.
Announcing the lifting of the ban on religious gatherings on May 19, the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dogo Shammah, the exercise would be for two weeks with certain conditions that religious leaders and their followers must meet.
The conditions, the commissioner said, include compulsory use of face masks by members, provision of hand sanitiser and running water as well as observing physical distancing at the worship centres.
Shammah said the state government would provide hand sanitiser and thermometer for the churches and mosques.
Joseph Massin, who heads the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the state, has since commended the government for being considerate just as he assured that religious places would adhere to the government conditions.
Massin also asked other religious leaders to provide running water, hand sanitiser and ensure that every member of their congregation used face masks in places of worship.
EBONYI STATE
The Ebonyi State Government in the south east region of Nigeria, while lifting the ban on religious worship, said it would only allow religious centres to conduct services once a week.
The Commissioner for Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Uchenna Orji, who announced this on May 15, explained that the lifting of the ban was in response to the passionate appeal by the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ebonyi State Chapter, and other Christian leaders in the state.
Some Christians in the state had questioned why churches were closed while markets remained opened.
The state government, which imposed the ban in April, however, gave conditions for reopening of the churches, one of which is the conduct of services only on Sunday between 9am and 11am.
The statement said, “That Seventh Day Adventist and Muslim faithful are to observe their service on Saturdays and Fridays respectively from 9 a.m – 11 a.m.
“No religious centre shall permit more than 500 people and worshippers shall observe a minimum of two meters social distance from one another.
“Wearing of face masks, washing of hands with running water and use of hand sanitisers 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 government also urged religious bodies in the state to use the opportunity to create awareness among their members on the protocols, policies, laws and regulations regarding COVID-19 and to pray for the State and Nigeria.
“They are also enjoined to use the opportunity to advise their members to aggressively participate in agriculture and other lawful means of livelihood.
“CAN leadership and Anti- COVID-19 Committee on Religious Centres are requested to please mount strict monitoring of all religious centres in the state and ensure strict compliance and discipline among them.”
DELTA STATE
In March, the Delta State Government in the South South region of Nigeria, announced the reopening of worship centres but with only 50 worshippers at a time in any church or mosque.
Information Commissioner, Charles Aniagwu, said the decision was taken at a meeting between the State Task Force on COVID-19 and the leaders of CAN and Muslim groups in the state.
Aniagwu said the number was agreed because of the government’s concern for the health of residents.
“We have also made it known to them that they should try through other means to communicate to their members to try as much as possible to observe all the behaviours that we have rightly pointed out before now,” Aniagwu said.
“These are regular washing of hands, sanitising as much as possible and also maintaining a very clear distance among and within people.”
The Chairman of the Delta State chapter of CAN, Sylvanus Okorote, assured that Christians would meet the conditions.
CROSS RIVER STATE
Also in Cross River in the south south zone of the country, the government said a ban on religious worship would be lifted as from May 24.
Christian Ita, media aide to Governor Ben Ayade, said in a statement that the decision was taken in response to appeals by religious leaders in the state.
“The order suspending public worship in the state, is hereby lifted with effect from Sunday May 24, 2020,” the statement said.
“Consequently, starting from Sunday, May 24, 2020, church services are permitted but should be limited to the sitting capacity of the church, same applies to mosques.
“Use of face masks is compulsory for all worshippers, churches and mosques should provide buckets for hand washing, or sanitisers.
“Churches and mosques are hereby advised to strictly adhere to the instructions as the enforcement team will still go around to check compliance.”
KOGI STATE
In Kogi State, north central region of Nigeria, Governor Yahaya Bello has also lifted the social distancing order imposed to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) on religious congregations in mosques and churches across the state.
The Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, who announced this on behalf of the governor, said the worship centres must however put in place preventive and precautionary measures in their various worship centres in order to contain the outbreak and spread of coronavirus in the state.
Specifically, the government directed the churches to provide hand sanitisers for worshippers at the entrances of all churches and mosques.
Fanwo added, “Sitting arrangements in mosques and churches should be done to ensure social distancing.
“We also urge churches and mosques to make their services as brief as possible in order not to keep a large crowd of worshipers within enclosed confinement.”
The government also urged religious leaders to continue to pray for the end of the pandemic so that the world could return to normal activities.
The governor had on March 20 banned all forms of gathering involving 30 people and above as part of the preventive measures against the spread of the virus.
BAUCHI STATE
This north eastern state whose governor, Bala Mohammed, was infected by COVID-19 though recovered, has also ban on all religious gatherings, which it imposed in April.
Mohammed, at a meeting with religious leaders in the state on May 20, said religious centres can open the following day.
The governor said he decided to lift the ban because of the feat the state recorded in managing the virus.
“Judging from all I have seen, we want to look at it comprehensively to see how we can give a breathing space to our people,” Mohammed said.
“Allah has made it possible for this disease to nosedive and today, we have the least number from those in the hospitals and have been discharged.
“Easing of the lockdown will be gradual with the lifting of the ban on Juma’at prayers and church services on the condition that Imams and Clergies are mandated to ensure full compliance to regulation put in place to enable full re-opening of worship centres.”
TARABA STATE
The authorities of Taraba State in the north eastern flank of Nigeria, have also announced the resumption of religious gatherings.
The Deputy Governor, Haruna Manu, who is also the Chairman of COVID-19 Response Team, in a live broadcast on Monday May 17, said the decision was taken because the state no longer has an active COVID-19 case.
He however said there must be strict observance of physical distancing and other safety measures that had been put in place.
“I’m pleased to inform you that, as at today, Taraba State no longer has an active case of coronavirus infection.
“All the cases previously reported were successfully managed by our frontline health workers and have all been discharged and they have rejoined their families. No fatalities were recorded in the process.
“Christians and Muslims are also free to resume their religious worships in churches and mosques.
“In doing so, however, they must ensure the observance of the rule of social distancing and all the safety protocols such as hand washing, use of sanitisers and face masks.”
BORNO STATE
Also in Borno State in the north east, the Deputy Governor, Usman Kadafur, who heads the COVID-19 Response Committee, ask Churches and mosques to open, saying the purpose of a lockdown had been met.
“The lockdown is being suspended indefinitely to study the situation for the time being. However, where the situation escalates, the government should revert to the status quo,” Kadafur said in a statement.
“The use of facemasks by the public should be made mandatory and enforceable.
“Government, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders, and opinion leaders should enforce social distancing, especially in public gatherings/worship places.
“Henceforth, Juma’at prayers and five daily prayers shall be observed in all mosques as recommended by Borno State Council of Ulamas in strict adherence with social distancing and the face mask.
“All churches shall conduct church services as recommended by the Christian Association of Nigeria, Borno Chapter, in strict adherence to social distancing and use of facemasks.
ADAMAWA STATE
On May 14, the neighbouring Adamawa State said worship centres were free to resume their activities.
“Churches, mosques and international cattle markets under the lockdown can now reopen, but must ensure social distancing with no more than 50 people at a time,” a statement by Humwashi Wonosikou, media aide to Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, said.
“Other measures include provision of hand sanitisers or washing of hands and temperature checks at the point of entry.
“Government now believes the contagion rate is low enough to justify a cautious easing of the restriction, but warns that citizens must work hard on personal hygiene and strict adherence to laid down guidelines.”
KATSINA STATE
Katsina State was one of the first to authorise reopening of worship centres.
In early April, the Secretary to the State Government, Mustapha Inuwa, said in a statement that Governor Aminu Masari met with religious leaders in the state and had agreed to review the ban placed on worship centres.
“Governor Aminu Masari has today (Thursday) met with Christian clerics and reviewed the orders that affect weekly religious services in the state.
“The governor has directed the lifting of suspension of Sunday Church services with immediate effect.
“The services, however, are to be conducted under stipulated health and security guidelines.
“Church services should not be prolonged in order to discharge the followers within a short period, which after due consultations, agreed to be conducted within one hour.
“People are strongly advised to maintain social distancing and adhere strictly to all rules and regulations provided by health experts in fighting the rampaging disease.”
GOMBE STATE
Last Thursday May 21, Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, lifted ban on religious gathering after meeting with religious leaders in the state.
The governor said the decisions followed assurances from the religious leaders that they would comply with all health directives on COVID-19.
Yahaya also directed that some members of the religious bodies should be trained by the state’s task force on COVID-19 in order to ensure observance of the preventive measures.
The governor said he would be forced to reintroduce the ban if the directives were not complied with.
The state chairman of CAN, Ibrahim Jodi, assured that Christians would observe all directives.
RIVERS STATE
Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, in a statewide broadcast on May 20, reiterated that religious group could meet but should not exceed 50 worshippers at a given time.
BENUE STATE
Until Saturday afternoon, Christians in Benue State, north central Nigeria were hopeful that they would resume worship in their churches, several weeks after they were barred from doing so as a measure to check the ravaging COVIC-19 pandemic.
Governor Samuel Ortom had announced on Thursday May 21 that churches and mosques would be reopened on Sunday May 24.
The governor, after a joint meeting of the State Executive Council and the Action Committee on COVIC-19 said however worshippers must adhere strictly to social distancing.
But on Saturday May 23, Ortom reversed the decision.
“We have reviewed the relaxation of lockdown we did last Thursday. Since we heard the federal government advise us against the reopening of churches, mosques, and public gatherings.
“The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, and Jama’atu Nasir Islam have all given their backing to the federal government that it will be too early and premature for us to reopen the churches and mosques and to allow public gathering and to reopen market places.
“We are a component of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and appreciate the fact that the federal government is the custodian of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and of course they are more informed than we are and we must subject ourselves to the decisions that are in accordance with the laws of the land,” the governor said.
“We do not want to endanger our people and in the event of any challenge concerning this pandemic the point to call upon is the federal government. So we cannot kick against their advice.
“We have seen that the advice is genuine, our decision is premature and if we took a decision and we have this kind of genuine advice that is meant to support the health of our people we have no reason whatsoever to go ahead with the decision we took.
“So I appreciate Benue people, I appreciate the concern of CAN Benue State chapter, the Muslim community that have been mounting pressure that churches, mosques, markets, and others be reopened. But you cannot attend church service or mosque or even the market when you are dead.
“On behalf of the State Executive Council, I hereby announce a reversal of the lifting. We will work closely with the federal government to know when it is convenient to relax the lockdown. As for now we are back to where we were before last Thursday.”
NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT KICKS
The Federal Government of Nigeria has however frowned at the decisions of some state governments to lift ban on religious gathering so soon.
Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, who heads the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, accused the governors of deliberately violating the measures put in place to guide the country out of the pandemic.
“There is the need for states to diligently implement and enforce compliance. Particularly, I underscore the need for the governors to provide personal and strong leadership, carry the policy of community ownership to the grassroots and create deeper awareness,” Mustapha said at a press briefing on May 21.
“Governors are advised on the decision taken by some of their colleagues to permit large gatherings as such decisions could inadvertently endanger the elderly, the sick and those with underlying factors during such gatherings. The strong advisory from the PTF is that large gatherings beyond 20 persons remain prohibited and should be adhered to.”
GOVERNORS DEFEND ACTION
The Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Kayode Fayemi, said the governors held a meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) in Abuja on May 21 during which it was agreed that all governors should stick to what was agreed with President Muhammadu Buhari on easing of the lockdown.
Fayemi, who is the governor of Ekiti State, told NATION newspaper that a five-point agenda on the easing of the lockdown was with the president agreed and that no governor would violate it.
The agenda includes restriction on inter-state movements; internal relaxation of stay-at-home order within a time frame; compulsory wearing of masks; and public gathering, be it social, political or religious, not exceeding 50.
“Our position on the five-point agenda we gave to the president has not changed. I think no governor will go against the agenda,” Fayemi told the newspaper.
PRESSURE FROM CLERGYMEN
Three prominent Nigerian pastors had repeatedly demanded the reopening of the worship centres despite the increasing number of cases in the states.
Bishop David Oyedepo, founder of the Living Faith Church aka Winners’ Chapel, says it is wrong to keep the churches in Nigeria closed due to the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic when markets have been reopened.
He said there could be ulterior motives for the development, insisting that there was no tenable reason why the churches should not be allowed to meet for at least two hours if markets could open for six hours.
Punch newspaper reports that Oyedepo spoke during the Covenant Hour of Prayer on May 6.
Religious and social gatherings have been banned in most parts of Nigeria to curtail the spread of COVID-19 in the country.
“There is something wrong. For people to be allowed to be in the market for six hours and can’t be in church for two hours, it is an upside-down way of looking at things,” Oyedepo said.
“Which one is more orderly? The market or the church? I can smell a rat. The Lord spoke to me on it so strongly yesterday. I can smell a rat. Behind all this, how do we stop the church from exploding. The people involved don’t know it.
“The voice of darkness is influencing people at various levels, targeting the church because the growth and expansion of the church is the greatest headache of the devil. But the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. The devil and all his agents shall surely pay for this.
“I don’t know what hospital that records the kind of healings that the church of God records. And now hospitals, where people die every day are open, but the church is closed because the oppression of the devil has no medical cure.”
Oyedepo’s view came days after his counterpart in Believers’ Love World, also called Christ Embassy, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, berated Nigeria pastors for complying with the government’s ban on church and other gatherings because of coronavirus.
According to Premium Times newspaper, Oyakhilome said in a telecast to his members, such leaders were not genuine Christians since they did not ask the government to be allowed to pray and consult their congregations.
Oyakhilome said the swiftness with which churches, including his own, complied with the ban was the reason Nigeria is yet to “see the hand of God.”
The cleric noted that the men of God that discussed the issue with the government did not behave like true Christians, as according to him. They never thought about going to pray about it.
He said, “As ministers of God, you are called for such a meeting and you couldn’t say give us a few days, then you call all the ministers and say this is what we just heard from a government representative, we need to pray.
“Then you would have seen the hand of God. But you were not thinking about the Father’s house. Do you know what it means to shut down the congregation of the lord? Do you know what it means? It never meant anything to you.”
Senior pastor of the Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Dr Paul Enenche, in a recent live telecast of the church’s service also questioned why markets were open but not the churches.