FG replies Bishop Oyedepo and Oyakhilome over the opening of churches

Minister Chris Oyakhilome and Bishop David OyedepoThe Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 has eliminated any confusion air on why markets and shops are permitted to open while places of worship are still safely guarded.

Talking on Thursday at the day by day COVID-19 instructions in Abuja, Dr. Sani Aliyu, the National Coordinator of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 said that the facilitating of the lockdown is to take into account negligible monetary movement, and not for diversion.



Dr. Aliyu made the explanation when he was asked by a writer to react to calls from Bishop David Oyedepo and Pastor Chris Oyakhilome for houses of worship to be opened since business sectors have been permitted to work.



Review Bishop Oyedepo had questioned the rationale behind permitting a market to open which as indicated by him isn't efficient, and shutting a congregation which he said is all the more precise.

“It is important for us to know that the easing of the lockdown does not mean that COVID-19 has been defeated. It is purely to allow for economic activity to go on, while at the same time the public is protected,” Dr. Aliyu said.

“We have allowed markets to open three times a week between 8 am to 3 pm, the same applies to the abattoir. We have also allowed the supermarkets to open between 8 am and 3 pm as well as eateries.

“…and the same way we have banned bars, clubs, gardens, entertainment centers, etc. While we have allowed this relaxation, at the time we put in place some enforcement, for example, we are making sure we don’t have more than 20 people congregating.

“It must be noted that these measures are not put in place for the PTF, but for the general good of the public, our health, and our well being.”

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