Governor Ayade orders arrest of religious leaders flouting ban on large gatherings in Cross River State

In a press release signed April 25th 2020, by the Special Advicer Media and Publicity to the Governor of Cross River State, it is hereby observed that greedy pastors have created a new tactic to conducting services in their worship centers and churchs gathering over 20 persons between the hours of 5am and 7am on Sundays as well as other weekday programs without following protective and preventive measures for lengthy hours thereby exposing members and increasing the risk of spreading the deathly Coronavirus within the state.

The release directs law enforcement agencies to ensure strict enforcement of the COVID -19 laid down preventive measures by arresting for prosecution any religious leader who violates the ban on large gatherings as well have their worship centres permanently sealed:

You can read the Press release below:
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Our Ref: GO/PRESS/012/VOL.I/ 190
APRIL 25, 2020
PRESS RELEASE

It is sad to note that inspite of the untiring efforts of the state government to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus into the state, some religious bodies have elected to violate the ban on large gathering by conducting services in their churches/worship centres.

It has also been observed that most churches have now adjusted their service time to the early hours of the morning and now holding services between 5am and 7am every Sunday as well as weekly activities with over 20 worshipers and for a duration longer than 30 minutes without nose masks.

Government views this act by leaders of such churches who ought to be dependable partners in the fight against the pandemic, as an affront.

His Excellency, Governor Ben Ayade seriously frowns at this development and hereby directs law enforcement agencies to ensure strict enforcement of the COVID -19 laid down preventive measures by arresting for prosecution any religious leader who violates the ban on large gatherings by conducting service/mass and have their worship centres permanently sealed as from tomorrow, April 26,2020

Signed
Christian Ita
Special Adviser, Media and Publicity