Ebonyi, Katsina Allow Christians to Celebrate Easter; Stylishly restore religious & funeral activities

Abiodun OBA

The Ebonyi and Katsina State Governments have allowed Christians and Muslim faithfuls to celebrate the forthcoming Easter Festival by granting a partial restoration of religious activities in the state.

In its case, Ebonyi government also relaxed the ban on burials by giving those in the state between April 9 and 20 to bury their dead loved ones.

The commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Uchenna Orji, disclosed this after the executive council meeting in Abakaliki.

Orji said worshippers are expected to attend their normal service only on Sunday for Christians and Friday for Muslims with effect from April 12, 2020.

The service however, is expected to start from 8 a.m. and end by 12 noon. Every worshipper is expected to wear a face mask and observe social distancing.

“With effect from Sunday 12th April, 2020, all religious worshippers shall be allowed to have their normal service every Sunday for Christians and Friday for Muslims, from 8am to 12 noon only, provided that:

“Every worshipper must wear a face mask, including handkerchief or head tie.

“The service centre must be provided with hand sanitisers and running water for washing of hands.

“There shall be no religious gatherings other than on Sundays.”

The state government warned that pastors or officiating ministers that fail to enforce these precautionary measures or violates these regulations will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with Ebonyi State Coronavirus and Other Dangerous (Infectious) Diseases and Related Matters Law No 06, 2020.

“Churches are also encouraged to provide palliatives to their worshippers,” the government advised.

Orji said that before any burial takes place, the government should be notified through his office.

He, however, noted that only the family members of the deceased, who shall not exceed the stipulated 20 persons, shall attend.

“Burial of loved ones shall be allowed to hold between 9th April, and 20th April, 2020 provided that:

“The State Government, through the office of the Honourable Commissioner for Information and State Orientation must be notified in writing.

“Organisers must ensure the provision of hand sanitizers, face masks, and running water for washing of hands and other precautionary measures.

“Government shall send representatives to such burials to ensure that the precautionary measures are complied with,” he said.

The commissioner further disclosed that during the executive council meeting, palliatives to cushion the effect of the hardship occasioned by the scourge of coronavirus pandemic, were deliberated on.

He said the governor approved the release of N1 billion for the procurement of 400,000 bags of 5kg rice and other foodstuff, and the production of 400,000 face masks as a take-off palliative measure for vulnerable groups.

“The Governor during the meeting also directed the immediate disbursement of the sum of Two Billion Naira (N2, 000,000,000.00) to Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) facility for the empowerment of the youths and women in Entrepreneurship and vocational programmes,” he added.

According to the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) Nigeria has 276 confirmed cases as at April 8.

About 44 of the patients have been discharged while six deaths have been recorded.

In a similar vein, the Katsina state government has lifted the ban on congregational Friday Juma’at Prayers with immediate effect in the state.

“The Government also lifted the ban of Sunday church service observed by Christians in the state”.

Alh. Mustapha Inuwa, the Secretary to the Government of the state SGS, disclosed this in a statement signed and made available to newsmen on Thursday in Katsina.

“The suspension of Friday Juma’at Prayers has been lifted with immediate effect, but to be conducted under some stipulated health/security guidelines”.

“This resolution followed a meeting held between the state government, religious leaders, traditional rulers and the security agencies”. The statement said

The statement added that, the Juma’at Imams should avoid prolonged sermons so as to discharge their followers within the shortest possible time.

The statement strongly advised people to maintain social distancing and adhere strictly to all rules and regulations as provided by the health experts in fighting the contagious disease.

The Government said that it will provide all the necessary equipment of washing hands and sanitizers at different mosques and churches in the state so as to ensure safety of both Muslims and Christians in the state.