The Akwa Ibom Government has approved the reopening of churches in the state on Sunday, June 07, 2020.
This is based on guidelines recommended by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) backed by an undertaking to comply and signed by representatives of all the blocs.
Charles Udoh, commissioner for information who announced this in a statement to the media said the State Government was confident that CAN, being a body full of integrity, would do everything within its jurisdiction to ensure that all churches adhere strictly to these guidelines as violators will be prosecuted.
He said a Joint Monitoring Team has been set up in each Senatorial District, comprising representatives of Government, Security Agencies and CAN.
He however, stated that the ban on burials, weddings and indeed all forms of social gatherings” was still in force until further notice.
“Citizens and Residents are enjoined to observe all prescribed guidelines on religious and social gatherings as well as physical distancing while wearing face masks,” the statement added.
There has been pressure from religious groups for the state government to lift the ban on religious services since it came into force following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in late March.
