By Christian Njoku
Calabar – Archbishop Tunde Adeleye of the Niger Delta Province, Anglican Communion, has advised Nigerians to suspend their communal lifestyle until eradication of coronavirus.
Adeleye gave the warning at a press conference on Sunday in Calabar.
The archbishop, also the Chairman, Christian Council of Nigeria, South-South Zone, noted that Africans were not used to social distancing.
He appealed to Nigerians to adhere strictly to government directives to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
He hailed federal and state governments, mass media, well meaning individuals and religious organisations for efforts in sensitising citizens on the virus.
Adeleye, however, said that religious organisations should be allowed to meet under strict rules to enable them to pray for God’s mercy and deliverance.
“Churches should be allowed to meet for Sunday services for at least one hour with a maximum of 50 people under strict rules to pray against the present situation in the world.
“This is because apart from the measures to curb the spread of the virus, everyone needs to pray.
“I know people can pray individually in their houses but the Bible encourages the gathering together of believers to pray in agreement and encourage others in the faith.
“This virus is not ordinary, no matter what some people think about its origin; so, the church needs to pray because it is a satanic attack.
“It is unfortunate that this thing is happening at a very important time of the year for the Christians; believers should celebrate Easter without funfair to prevent spread of the virus,” he said.
The Cross River Government had in a statement on March 29, allowed churches to hold services with not more than 50 persons to serve as an avenue to educate members on the global pandemic. (NAN)
