Lagos says no plan to reopen Churches, Mosques

By our reporter| The Lagos State Government on Tuesday ruled out the possibility of reopening churches and mosques in the state.

The Commissioner for Home Affairs, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, who made the disclosure at press briefing commemorating the first year of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in office, said the possibility of reopening churches and mosques in the state was ruled out following a meeting with some religious leaders.

According to him, the religious leaders were comfortable with the protocols and guidelines laid down by the state government.

The Commissioner however, noted that Lagos is the epicentre of the virus and reopening of places of whorship won’t happen until there is a clear coast to do so.

He said, “Even before the pronouncement by the Federal Government, we have been having meetings with the religious leaders. We even had one with safety Commission. Looking at the possibility of reopening of religious houses.

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

“They claimed that they cannot take the 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 his 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 the 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.”