Fayemi worries over pastors’ violation of COVID-19 lockdown directive in Ekiti
The Ekiti State governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi has expressed his worry over the increasing number of pastors arrested and prosecuted in the state for flouting the state’s lockdown order, to check the spread of COVID-19 in the state.
Speaking on the issue on Tuesday, the Ekiti State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Olawale Fapohunda, urged Christian leaders in Ekiti State “to support government’s effort in curbing the spread of COVID-19 through religious programmes that do not violate the Ekiti State Coronavirus Disease (Prevention of Infection) Regulations, 2020”.
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Fapohunda, who spoke in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital during a meeting with the Christian Association of Nigeria, said, “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 said “It is a matter of regret that no fewer than 10 pastors have been arrested and prosecuted for violating the Ekiti State COVID-19 Regulations. We derive no joy in prosecuting representatives of faith-based groups.
“This is the time when the state government needs prayers as well as constructive partnership with churches and mosques specifically in the areas of message transmission as well as counseling our people to stay calm and keep faith during this trying period.
“We need CAN to match government’s food palliatives with spiritual palliatives within the limits of the regulations,” he added.
