FG overrules governors on reopening of worship centres

The federal government has faulted the decision of some state governors to permit the reopening of worship centres amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

The chairman of the presidential task force (PTF) on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, on Thursday, May 21 warned that such decisions could have serious health implications, The Nation reports.

He said the ban on gatherings of more than 20 people remained prohibited. Mustapha pointed out that gatherings of more than 20 people is a breach of the protocols designed to contain the spread of COVID-19.

He stated that the elderly and the sick could be exposed to health risks during large gatherings.

“Governors are also 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,” Mustapha stated.

"The strong advisory from the PTF is that large gatherings beyond 20 persons remain prohibited and should be adhered to." Many governors have opened up their states for religious gatherings.

Recently, Benue state government ordered the reopening of churches and mosques for religious worships some weeks after they were shut over the outbreak of the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Legit.ng reports that the government, however, directed that the churches and mosques must hold staggered worship sessions to allow room for social distancing.

A statement issued by one of Governor Samuel Ortom's aides indicated that this was part of the decisions reached on Thursday, May 21, in Makurdi at the end of a joint meeting of the Benue state Executive Council and the State Action Committee on COVID-19 presided over by the governor.