Some Christian faithful in Port Harcourt on Sunday said the restriction on all religious and social gatherings of over 50 people within the Lagos and other states of the federation was commendable.
While some residents applauded the move based on the effect of the fast-spreading virus, others expressed reservations on the religious implications on the faithful.
Festus Nwoke who worship in Anglican Churchy in Port Harcourt told our correspondent that the measures became necessary to curb spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the state.
Nwoke said the state government meant well for the people as it did not want to record deaths because only the living that would worship and praise God.
“We can see how the mighty and powerful nations are falling into the hands of the pandemic, all because they thought it’s a minor thing which I think our governor is avoiding.
“The government meant well for us all, missing of church services will not bring heaven down and who knows if God is even happy with us for obeying those he put in authority,” she said.
Amusan Omotunde, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Tripple A Logistics, described the Covid-19 outbreak as ‘beyond human understanding’, saying she’s never heard that church closed for any reason.
Omotunde said: “this is the first of its kind ever happening that will stop service from holding, we should be more closer to God as end time is near.
“In fact, we should repent from our evil deeds and tread the path of righteousness,” she said.
She added that government must close all loops as an intensive measure against the spread of Coronavirus, adding that airports, market places and social gatherings should be given priority.
Bari Senewo, a Christian faithful, said that he stayed home as directed by the Canon but still observed service with his family as it was necessary to comply with the authority’s directive.
Senewo said,: “On Sunday, an information was passed across through the church platform that service will not hold in the church but that we should observe it in our homes which we did,”.
“But I have this to say, more important than just having a normal service is to carry a daily awareness of being at the secret place of prayer by all Christians to dethrone the enemy called COVID-19.”
The self-employed businessman added that the ‘No service in church’ had denied faithful the opportunity to mark the Mothering Sunday, where mother’s put up activities and appreciated by members.
A musical director and lecturer, Mr Uchenna Echie, said he was worried because everything was shutting down from schools, airports, economy and now to religion.
“I am most bothered not just because of the recent ban of government on religious and educational gathering, but I am bothered because of the market places, bus stops and commercial vehicles.
Similarly, we gathered that, the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, under the leadership of Pastor William Kumuyi, suspended all Sunday services.
On a social media platform, the church also suspended Tuesday leadership meeting, including Saturday workers’ meeting, which holds at the Gbagada headquarters.
Kumuyi also directed all local districts to comply with the Lagos State’s order. A document signed by the church secretary, S.M. Afuwape directed all groups and districts too, “please note that all programmes at Gbagada Church have been suspended. No gathering of worshippers should be more than 50…”
Also, the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries has suspended its deliverance services, as well as house fellowship meetings and other activities. With the theme: “Interim arrangement for ministerial services in Lagos and Ogun States MFM regions,” the Assistant General Overseer (Administration), Pastor Gbesan Adebambo, who signed the document, directed that all services in its parishes in Lagos and Ogun be cancelled.
The statement read: “No services, including deliverance ministrations, must hold in any of MFM branches at all levels in the Region under your supervision, until further notice. Likewise, all house fellowship meetings at any of the centres are postponed until further notice. All members are to engage in 30-day personal prayer retreat, beginning from Sunday, March 22 to Monday, April 20, 2020, and the prayer booklet would be made available free.