The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Oyo State Chapter, has called on Christians in the state to comply with the all the directives of government including the lockdown of religious centres.
Pastor Benjamin Akanmu, the State Chairman, made the call on Friday while addressing newsmen in Ibadan.
The state government is yet to ease the lockdown on religious centres ocassioned by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Akanmu said that it was important to make official statement to guide the leadership of various churches and fellowship centres, amidst misleading information which had rented the air.
“In a situation like this, it is pertinent that the CAN leadership in the state clear the air on misleading information circulating around to save followers from falling victims of fake news or misinformation.
“This, if not addressed, may eventually subject followers to severe punishment, as we all know that ignorance is not an excuse in the court of law,” Akanmu said.
He said that the Federal Government has done the appropriate thing by relaxing the measures to allow each state make decisions based on the current situation and report on COVID-19 pandemic in a particular state.
“As at today, the decision of Oyo government is to retain the restrictions earlier imposed on lockdown of religious centres, curfew from 8pm to 6am and on social gathering.
“As residents of the state, we all should adhere strictly to the state directives.
As Christians, we must honour and obey government regardless of the motive behind the decision, order or policy — either in good or bad faith.
“Even in a situation where government deliberately work against the church, God did not permit us to disobey or involve in violence,” he warned.
The CAN chairman said that the best way to chase away COVID-19 pandemic was for people to humble themselves before God, confess their sins, turn away from evil and ask for the mercy of God.
“If we sincerely call for God’s intervention at this point, He will surely answer and set our nation free from the bondage of lockdown brought on us by the pandemic.
“Anything that is not of God, CAN will never support it. After all, it is the building that is lockdown, the spirit of Christ that dwell in us can not be silent,” he said.
Akanmu said that everything happens for good for those who trust in God, saying this was a period for the people to develop themselves spiritually.
“That’s why as Christian leaders we train followers of Christ to be adequately equipped with the words of God, prayer and walk in the righteous path.
“Jesus did not call the pastors alone, he called everyone. He says, go ye into the world and preach the gospel.
In other words, lockdown shouldn’t be an excuse to be far from God. “For no reason should any Christian go against the law and order of the government.
I believe that the Lord will return all our losses during the COVID-19 period in multiple folds in Jesus name,” he said.
