Umahi lifts ban on Churches, religious worship

Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi state on Friday lifted the ban on religious worship after more than a month ban on opening of churches, mosques and other religious centers.

The lifting of the ban which is to take effect from 15th May, 2020 will have religious centers conduct their worship once in a week.

The ban was imposed as part of efforts to prevent spread of the deadly Coronavirus in the state.

Despite the ban and other measures including closure of the state borders with neighbouring states, the state still recorded nine cases of the virus.

The lifting of the ban followed weeks of pressure by some Christian faithfuls in the state who questioned why Churches were closed while markets remained opened.

The governor announced the lifting of the ban in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation and Acting Commissioner Human Capital Development and Monitoring, Uchenna Orji.

He emphasised that the waiver was in response to the passionate appeal made by the Leadership of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ebonyi State Chapter.

According to the Commissioner, other bodies that made the appeal for the re-opening of Religious Centers includes, some Revered Bishops among other clergy.

The statement noted that the re-opening of the worship centers would be under strict observance of COVID-19 policy and State laws.

The statement said that the Governor after having prayerfully reviewed the request and in consultation with state leaders, “directed that religious centres in the state do re-open for worship once a week, effective from 15th May, 2020 under attendant conditions