Ebonyi Governor Lifts Ban On Religion Service

The governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi has lifted the ban on Sunday Church services, Friday Jumaat prayers allowing only meetings between 8am to 12 pm.

He also approved 1 billion naira as palliatives to residents, in view of the harsh conditions caused by the Coronavirus pandemic.

This was disclosed on Wednesday in a tweet by the Special Assistant to the governor on Media, Francis Nwaze.
A statement signed by Orji Uchenna Orji, Commissioner for Information also confirmed the approvals.

Recall that the government had ordered a partial lockdown of activities in the state, as part of measures geared towards curbing the spread of the Coronavirus pandemic. In

Also, the Governor directed the immediate disbursement of the sum of Two Billion Naira (N2, 000,000,000.00) to Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) as facility for the empowerment of youths and women in entrepreneurship and vocational programmes.

Regarding religious services, the governor urged compliance with covid-19 public health advisory including use of face masks or head tie, hand sanitizer and washing of hands under running water.

“Any Pastor or officiating Minister that fails to enforce these precautionary measures or violates these regulations shall be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with Ebonyi State Coronavirus and Other Dangerous (Infectious) Diseases and Related Matters Law No 06, 2020,” the statement read.

Furthermore, the statement added that burial of loved ones shall be allowed to hold between 9th April, and 20th April, 2020 and shall have not more than 20 attendees while facemasks and hand Sanitizers shall be used.

“Government shall send representatives to such burials to ensure that the precautionary measures are complied with.

“Wearing of face mask while outside the house and anywhere in the State is still in force.

“Security agencies and all members of COVID- 19 Rapid Response Squad have been directed to arrest defaulters,” the statement read in part.