The Governor’s order was contained in a press statement entitled “Resumption of Public Worship” issued Wednesday night and signed by Mr. Christian Ita, Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to Governor Ayade.
The statement, which was dated May 20, 2020 with reference: Our Ref: GO/PRESS/012/VOL.I/ 202 said that the order suspending public worship in the State is hereby lifted with effect from Sunday, May 24, 2020.
“His Excellency, Sir Ben Ayade KSJI, the Governor of Cross River State, is very grateful to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishops, Bishops, Priests, Pastors, Christians of various denominations, and the entire Muslim community for their support and cooperation during the period of suspension of public worship in our state in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
“His Excellency acknowledges that the understanding and cooperation of religious leaders contributed immensely in keeping our State Coronavirus Free thus far.
“However, conscious of the Spiritual Economy, and in response to appeals by religious leaders in our state, His Excellency has issued the following executive orders:
“The order suspending public worship in the state, is hereby lifted with effect from Sunday May 24th. 2020. Consequently, starting from Sunday, May 24, 2020, church services are permitted but should be limited to the sitting capacity of the Church. Same applies to Mosques.
“Use of nose mask is compulsory for all worshipers. Churches and Mosques should provide buckets for hand washing, or sanitizers. Churches and Mosques are advised to strictly keep to the above instructions. The enforcement team will still go around to check compliance,” the statement added.
