Abia State Government have revealed that Church leaders and Market enforcement teams are paying lip service to the Abia State Government COVID-19 guidelines.

The government made it known in a Press Release made available to AFNEWS and signed by Secretary to Abia State Government/ Chairman inter-ministerial committee on Covid-19, Barrister Chris Ezem.

READ FULL PRESS RELEASE: 

It has come to the notice of Abia State Government that some churches in the state are paying lip service in total disregard to government directives and order on Covid-19 particularly as it concerns the mandatory 50 persons per stream of every church service as well as other necessary protocols on general hygiene, wearing of face mask and social distancing during and after church service. Equally worrisome is that majority of the said churches have resorted to midweek activities, children ministeries etc. thereby creating multiple platforms that can fast-track the spread of the deadly pandemic in the State.

On the other hand, an on-the-spot inspection to major markets in Aba by the State Enforcement Team revealed outright disobedience and noncompliance to virtually all the protocols and guidelines meant to curtail the spread of covid-19 in the state.

Consequently, Government has directed the leadership of the affected churches and other religious bodies including, enforcement teams of the various markets in the State to live up to their responsibility of ensuring total compliance to all the government protocol order on the pandemic or be ready to face full consequences of being negligent to their responsibility.

Government however appreciates all law-abiding Abians for keeping faith with it in the fight against Covid-19 while reminding the general public that our Mobile Courts are on ground to prosecute all violators of the prescribed protocols on Covid-19 in the state.

Government remains highly indebted to all our donors, front line personnel and health workers, security operatives, State and local government enforcement teams, the Press and other voluntary organizations in the State for their collective efforts at curtailing the spread of the deadly pandemic in the State.

Signed
Barr. Chris Ezem
Secretary to Abia State Government/ Chairman inter-ministerial committee on Covid-19