Just In: Lagos Govt Declares Position On Reopening Churches, Mosques

The Lagos State Government has dismissed reports that Churches, Mosques and other religious centres would be allowed to reopen in the state.

Naija News reports that the Federal Government had lifted the ban on religious centres based on guidelines and protocols agreed with State Governments.

Speaking to newsmen on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Prince Anofiu Elegushi said the reopening Churches and Mosques is not being considered at the moment.

“Even before the pronouncement by the Federal Government, we have been having a meeting with the religious leaders; we even have one with safety Commission. Looking at the possibility of reopening of religious houses,” Elegushi said.

“We also had one with the leaders of the two faith and I want to tell you categorically that at that meeting, possibility of reopening religious houses was ruled out totally.”

“They claimed that they cannot take such responsibility of ensuring that only 20 or 50 people are praying behind them. Like an Imam said he doesn’t know what is going on at back immediately he is leading a prayer. He said if more than 20 or 50 people are staying at his back he is not going to take responsibility for their presence.

“So in the meeting we ruled out in totality the issue of reopening the religious houses until we have a clear coast for us to do so. The Federal Government mentioned it, but it never ruled out the state in achieving that pronouncement, so all states will have to look at possibility of doing so in their respective states.

“We all know Lagos is still having more figures. So definitely that will speak to our decision. But the governor of the state will come out with further directives. We will call the two faith together and discuss the pronouncement and I can assure you that they themselves will tell us not to do it,” he added.