NMA, religious leader disagree over lockdown relaxation

The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Cross River State chapter and Director of Communications, Catholic Archdiocese of Calabar Rev. Fr. Leonard Ojorgu, have disagreed on the easing of lockdown on religious gatherings in the state.

Governor Ben Ayade had on Wednesday, eased the lockdown order on religious gatherings, ordering the opening of churches and mosques in the state.

But the NMA in a statement signed yesterday by the State Chairman, Dr. Agam Ayuk and secretary, Dr. Ezoke Epoke, called for caution on the resumption of public worship places in the state, noting that most worship centres do not allow for social distancing.

Fr. Ojorgu said the relaxation of the lockdown on religious centres is a welcome development given that the state has not recorded any case of COVID-19. He said it is okay in as much as people don’t lose sight of directives given by experts and the government. “It should be the responsibility of religious leaders gathered in their various places of worships to ensure that these directives given to us by experts be observed to the latter.” 

The state still remains one of the two states that have not recorded any case of Coronavirus. However, the use of facemask has received low compliances by residents.