Okorie Uguru, Chris Njoku, Owerri, Nwanosike Onu, Awka, Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin, Bisi Oladele, Ibadan, AbdulGafar Alabelewe, Kaduna, Rasaq Ibrahim
Yesterday was Good Friday, a day set aside to commemorate the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. However, this year’s celebration was peculiar in many states as it was devoid of the usual services and processions. This is as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
In Lagos, both churches and streets were empty of activities as residents observe the second week of lockdown. In obedience to the lockdown order, there were no church services, neither were there processions on the streets. The same applies to most states of the federation.
Investigation by the Nation showed that in all the churches in Imo State, the usual pomp and pageantry witnessed during the celebrations was conspicuously absent.
At a recent meeting between the CAN in the state and the state government, the former had passionately pleaded with the latter for a waiver to observe the Easter Good Friday celebration and the Easter services. It was turned down by the Committee on Prevention and Control of COVID-19 led by Prof Maurice Iwu..
Speaking to our correspondent, the Director of Communications, Owerri Catholic Archdiocese, Father Ray Nzereogu, disclosed that the absence of the processions did not remove anything from the Christians, rather, he said it provided them the opportunity to deepen their faith in Christ.
In Anambra State, there were also no processions. The restrictions on church activities, burial and funeral ceremonies and other gatherings as announced by Governor Willie Obiano still stand
Though there are movements in Anambra State as the state is still free from the virus, but the social distancing directive was being observed in the state
The Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr Vincent Okpala, told The Nation there was no cause for alarm, as the state government had put many things in place in case the virus hits the state.
The celebration in Ilorin, Kwara State, was devoid of the usual thrill. Instead of the festivities, Kwarans were making last minutes shopping to beat yesterday’s 6pm total lockdown of the state.
The Spiritual Father and Chairman, Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church, Worldwide Ayo ni o, Prophet Samuel Adefila Abidoye urged Christians to imbibe the lessons learned during the Lenten season to strengthen their faith in the lord Jesus Christ.
In Ibadan, Oyo State, the usual processions by orthodox churches where a church member carries the symbolic cross to recall how Jesus suffered and was nailed to the cross did not hold.
The Communications Director of the Ibadan Archdiocese, Rev. Fr. Francis Adedigba, told The Nation that the processions did not hold because of restrictions ordered by the Oyo State Government to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the state.
In Kaduna State, there was no event to mark the day due to the lockdown imposed by the state government, as part of measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Ekiti State was among the few states that the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) had planned holding Good Friday processions but had to reconsider the decision and cancelled them..
The Christian body’s Chairman, Rev. Father Peter Olowolafe, said yesterday in statement that the decision was reached after wide consultation with critical stakeholders and the state government.
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