Leaders of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Lagos branch has declared that they will disregard the words of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu last Thursday cancelling the annual crossover services in churches across the state.
Traditionally, churches worldwide hold crossover services on December 31, every year to usher in the New Year. And Lagos state CAN has said there will be cross-over night service on December 31, in the state..
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Sanwo-Olu, while addressing reporters at the State House in Marina, last Thursday had reminded Lagosians that the 12:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. curfew put in place by the Federal Government earlier in the year is still in place.
He also implored religious leaders to ensure their followers observe the protocols put in place by the government to curb the spread of COVID-19 as the country battles the second wave of the pandemic.
Sanwo-Olu also added that: “There are not meant to be any gathering. The curfew set by the NCDC (Nigeria Centre for Disease Control) and the PTF (Presidential Task Force on COVID-19) is still active. There is a national curfew from 12 midnight to 4:00 a.m. and that has to be respected. No night vigils in any form.
“The instructions are there and all of the restrictions are in place as set by the PTF and the Lagos State Safety Commission.”
However, Lagos state CAN said churches had made plans with the curfew in mind. According to CAN, the plan is to observe their watch night till anytime after midnight and no church member would be allowed to leave the church premises or service venue till after the end of the curfew (4am.). With this, the issue of Curfew, CAN believes, does not arise at all.
Part of the statement from CAN also read that “ Churches are to ensure that COVID-19 protocols put in place by the government are fully adhered to: 50% sitting capacity and well-spaced, use of face-mask mandatory and should be strictly enforced, hand-wash and hand sanitation facilities to be placed at strategic locations at the church premises, the service hall should be well-ventilation and temperature thermometer must be available to take temperature of members”.
Usukuma Intia.