The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has kicked at the advice by the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 for persons above the age of 55 to stay away from places of worship due to risk of contracting the virus.
The West African Pilot News reported that the PTF national coordinator Dr. Aliyu Sani, had on Tuesday, advised vulnerable persons, including people with underlying conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, HIV, cancer and those above the age of 55 to stay away from religious centres and consider remote participation or non-contact attendance.
Dr. Sani said places of worship had been identified as having major potential for spreading the virus among worshippers. He added that Nigeria had recorded more COVID-19 fatality among persons above the age of 55.
However, Joseph Daramola, CAN’s Secretary, kicked against the advice, saying old people are the core church members and adding that government was trying to meet the international standards the wrong way, according to The Nation.
“They are pillars of the church with their experience in life. It is the older people that go to church and teach the young ones.
“If you are restricting me from church, what message are you passing? Who is going to enforce that? There should be fundamental human rights. The government wants to meet international standards and they are doing it in the wrong way. We are frowning at it,” Daramola said.
The CAN executive, however, noted that the guidelines would be adhered to.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), spokesman, Aselemi Ibrahim, according to The Nation, said the body was studying the directive by the PTF.
“Even though we are part of it and we have bought into it, we are still studying the situation and guidelines.
“However, for any mosque or any Islamic organisation that wants to reopen, our advice is that such places most (sic) have all it takes to abide by PTF guidelines. We also advise that mosques be properly disinfected before opening.
“But it is better and save (sic) to still carry out the act of worship at home until further notice,” Ibrahim said.
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