The federal government had imposed a ban on social gathering and open worship as parts of the concentrated efforts channelled towards curbing the spread of Covid-19 across states.

But following the submission of the presidential task force on Covid-19, government at the central announced the relaxation on the ban on religious gatherings in the country effective from Monday, June 1.

Interestingly, PTF said the decision was reached based on the guidelines and protocols agreed upon by state governments in lines with the protocols of NCDC.

In a subsequent effort, some state governments including Lagos have announced that religious centres in the country still remain under lock and key as Covid-19 took a danger-filled swipe at 35 states.

Meanwhile, Legit.ng highlights states that rejected FG's orders over the lifting of ban on religious centres.Nigeria presently has 10,819 cases of coronavirus with impressive 3,239 recoveries and 314 fatalities.

List of states that rejected FG's orders over lifting of ban on religious centres

Lagos leads 4 states in Nigeria that rejected FG's orders over lifting of ban on religious centres.

1. Lagos.

Unarguably the epicentre of coronavirus in Nigeria, Lagos has 5,277 cases and has recorded 67 deaths, posing a great challenge that ruled out the possibility of reopening mosques and churches in the state any time soon.

Immediately federal government lifted the ban on religious centres, Lagos commissioner of home affairs, Anofiu Elegushi, said the state will maintain the status quo as per the reopening of churches and mosques.

2. Kaduna state

With 297 cases, Kaduna state sits 7th on the list of 35 states affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

In response to the federal government's Monday declaration, Kaduna government announced that it has not reopened markets or places of worship.

The statement noted that the Kaduna state government has already started engagements with stakeholders in the state on the issue.The announcement was made in a statement signed by the media aide to Governor Nasir El-Rufai, Muyiwa Adekeye, on Tuesday, June 2.

3. Kwara state

Standing on the 15th spot with 111 cases, Kwara is one of the north-central states hit by the coronavirus pandemic.

The state has also dusted off the possibility of reopening churches and mosques. Kwara commissioner of health, Raji AbdulRazaq, stated that although a central order has commanded the reopening, it is left to the state authorities with the discretion to implement it.

4. Osun state

Osun state government, reacting to the reopening of the religious centres, said the state will engage the religious leaders to discuss the modalities for the reopening.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has given a list of guidelines places of worship must meet before being permitted to operate in the reopening of religious centres.

5. Oyo yet to relax ban

The Oyo State COVID-19 Task Force said on Tuesday that it was yet to relax the ban on religious activities and the curfew imposed as a result of the pandemic.

Taiwo Adisa, The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde, in a statement said the Oyo State COVID-19 Task Force made the decision following  an online meeting.

It read in parts, “This is because the task force is awaiting a risk, situation analysis report by a team of experts earlier commissioned to do so.

“The report is expected at the end of the week and it is only after the report has been analysed by the task force that it can be in a position to make further clarifications.”

6. Ekiti churches, mosques remain closed

Also, in Ekiti State, places of worship remained shut on Tuesday.

The state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Olawale Fapohunda, said a committee set up by the state government would work out modalities for the reopening of the places of worship.

He said, “In Ekiti, we still have to look at our own situation and make appropriate decision as it affects us.”

The state Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev Fr Peter Olowolafe, expressed delight with the presidential directive on reopening of the places of worship.

“Governor Kayode Fayemi said on Sunday that a committee would be set up to work out a protocol, guidelines and modalities to open the places of worship in Ekiti State. So, we are waiting for the directive from the state government,” the CAN chairman said.

The PTF on Covid-19 said the guidelines are part of measures to check the spread of the virus.

The federal government said those with health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, HIV, among others are to stay at home and worship.

Source: https://www.legit.ng/1335287-covid-19-list-states-rejected-fgs-orders-ban-lift-religious-centres.html