Ekiti govt charges CAN to caution pastors on violation of COVID-19 lockdown

The Ekiti State government Tuesday urged the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the state to caution pastors against further contravening the COVID-19 regulations in the state.

The state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Wale Fapohunda, made the call at a meeting with officials of CAN in Ado Ekiti, the state capital.

Fapohunda said: “It is a matter of regret that no fewer than 10 pastors had so far been arrested and prosecuted for violating the Ekiti State COVID-19 regulations.

“We derive no joy in prosecuting representatives of faith-based groups.”

He also urged Christian leaders in the state to support the state government’s effort in checking the spread of COVID-19 through religious programmes that do not violate the regulations.

The commissioner added: “The Ministry of Justice is concerned about the increasing number of pastors that have been arrested over the past few days for violating the prohibition of gathering provision in the COVID-19 Regulations.”

He maintained that any form of gathering in Ekiti State remained prohibited, except for gatherings on funerals.

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Attendance at a funeral, he added, must be limited to only 20 people while there should be no vigil or party.

He also said all safety measures including social distancing and wearing of masks must be strictly adhered to at such gatherings.

The Chairman of CAN in the state, Rev. Fr. Peter Olowolafe, assured the state government of the body’s commitment to preventing the spread of COVID-19 in the state.

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