UYO– The Vice Chairman of Itu Local Government Council, Hon. Mrs. Emem Ekpanya has expressed displeasure over the action of some clergies who in flagrant violation of the law, continue to hold church services in their different places of worship. She made the observation on Sunday when she led members of Itu Local Government Monitoring Team for the Enforcement of Compliance To Quarantine and Restriction of Movement Regulation 2020 to Churches within Itu Local Government Area.
Mrs. Ekpanya is the Chairman of the enforcement Committee in Itu Local Government Area said it was unfortunate that religious leaders who should be at the forefront of the sensitization of individuals on the dangers of coronavirus are actually the ones who encourage their members to come out for religious service. She warned that the consequences might not be palatable when meted out on offenders and advised individuals who wish to worship God to do so from the comfort of their homes, this she said would help reduce the risk of contracting the dreaded COVID-19.
The Committee Chairman said the ban on social gathering, including religious place of worship is still in force and that the government would not hesitate to prosecute offenders in line with extant laws. She said though the regulations are unfortunate and inconveniencing, it is a necessary step in the right direction. Particularly as the country has witnessed a surge in the number of infected persons.
Ekpanya noted that In line with the directive of the Akwa Ibom State Government that respective Local Governments have functional monitoring teams to ensure full compliance of the COVID-19 restriction orders, the team in Itu Local Government will not relent in their efforts towards ensuring that confirmed cases in the State’s does not explode beyond control and called on everyone to observe preventive health measures, like using face mask, regular washing of hands and avoid crowded places, including Churches.
Furthermore, she disclosed that despite the challenges, the committee would not be deterred in the discharge of their duty to ensure absolute compliance with government’s laws and guidelines with visits to markets, motor parks and other regulated facilities.
Meanwhile, worshipers were made to disperse in the Churches that were in session when the team visited; they include; Assemblies of God, Ikot Mbonde Itam, God’s Land Redemption Ministry International, Itu Road, The Appointed Church of God international, Udo Udo Usoro Akpabio Street, Assemblies of God Church, Uyo Itam/Akon Itam, The Apostolic Church, Mbiatok Itam, The Body, Bride of Christ Mission, Mbiatok Itam, The Apostolic Church, Nkim Itam, The Apostolic Church; Mbak Atai, The Apostolic Chuch; Enen Atai, Living faith Church; Obong Itam and Assemblies of God Church Odiok Itam
