The Lagos govt, with immediate effect has banned all religious gathering and activities of over 50 people to prevent coronavirus outbreak.
This includes the muslims asalatu, and the christian fellowships.
The state commissioner for home affairs, Anofiu Elegushi, who announced the measure, said it takes an immediate effect.
According to him, the decision was reached after extensive deliberations with religious bodies under the umbrella of Nigeria Inter Religious Council (NIRC) which include Lagos Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN)and Islamic leaders.
In a communique after the deliberation, the commissioner said the decision was taken in the interest of Lagosians.
At the meeting were the chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Sulaiman Abu Nolla and chairman of CAN, Lagos chapter, Alexander Bamgbola.
To ensure full implementation, a 15-man committee co-chaired by the commissioner and permanent secretary of the ministry of home affairs, Adebunmi Adekanye was set up.
The commissioner said it was better to offend people than to kill,adding that 50 persons were manageable for the religious leaders to control in mosques and churches.
“We hereby agree we should suspend all religious congregation that is over 50 within the state for four weeks. It is easy to establish contacts of about fifty people”.
He added that while the constitution allows for freedom of association and worship, “we are of the opinion that we should exercise our rights with extreme caution so as to avoid contacting and spreading of this disease”.
“We hereby appeal to you to please pay close attention people coming into our places of worship, anyone found showing symptoms of this disease should immediately be reported to the appropriate authorities.
“We should put in place measures that will ensure cleanliness of our environment bearing in mind that, cleanliness is next to Godliness,” he said.
