The Lagos State government has expressed doubts over the early resumption of religious activities in the state, following the fears it has that religious bodies may not follow guidelines of the government.
Speaking on Tuesday in Alausa at a briefing to mark Sanwo-Olu's first year in office, Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Anofiu Elegushi, said the state fears a non compliance in laid down rules and regulations guiding such gatherings.
Elegushi said though, the federal government allows religious houses to reopen for services, but state governments have the right to decide when and how that works in their various states.
Elegushi disclosed that several meetings have been held with religious leaders in the state even before the federal government allows them to reopen but signs the state got give them doubts the religious bodies would comply in maintaining the number of worshipers required, social distancing order and hygiene.
"Before pronouncement by the Federal government, we have been having continuous meetings with religion leaders on the possibility of reopening religious houses. At the meetings, the possibility of reopening religious houses was put off by the leaders. They said they can not take responsibility of having 50 worshippers.
One of them said if he's leading prayers, he can not be sure or guarantee the number of people that will be at his back joining in the prayers if they will be more than 20 or not. So they ruled out totally the possibility of religious houses until they have a clear coast,' the commissioner said.
Adding that: "Though the federal government mentioned reopening but it did not rule out states deciding what is good for them. All states would look at possibility in their respective states.
Lagos State is having more figures which definitely will speak to our decision. However the Incident Commander, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu will give further directives
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