Akwa Ibom State government has set up a Joint Monitoring Team comprising representatives of government, security agencies and Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to monitor compliance with guidelines for reopening of churches.

Recall that the state government had earlier in the week approved the reopening of churches in the state on Sunday, June 07, 2020, based on guidelines recommended by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) baked by an undertaking to comply; signed by representatives of all the blocs.

Secretary to State Government & Chairman of COVID-19 Committee, Akwa Ibom State, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem presented a list of members of the joint monitoring team in a press conference at government house Uyo on Friday evening.

While expressing confidence that CAN will do everything within its jurisdiction to ensure that all churches comply to these guidelines, the SSG insisted that the monitoring team will work to ensure that violators of the guidelines are duly prosecuted.

Members of the monitoring team according to Ekuwem include local government chairmen of

Eket, Frank Archibong Ikot Ekpene Unyime Etim: and Nsit Ibom, Eric Akpan. To represent the three Senatorial districts,

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) is to be represented by Bishop Emmanuel Ebito, Bishop Joseph Ekpo and Bishop Durable Osung, while Five (5) Policemen from the two Area Commands of each Senatorial District in the state have also been drafted into the team.

Giving an update on Covid-19 in the state, the SSG who presented the state’s current statistics as follows; Confirmed cases: 45, Discharged cases: 14

Deaths: 2, and Total Active Cases : 29, however reported a disturbing trend where indigene of neighbouring states were trying to cross borders to be tested and treated in Akwa Ibom

“We have reinforced our entry points surveillance at various border points around the state. In addition to law enforcement agents, we have mobilized the local communities to help check the influx of people from neighboring states.

“We have Installed 3G surveillance cameras and boom barriers at major Entry points into the state. So far We have intercepted, apprehended and returned several people and corpses who attempted entering the state illegally.

“However, we have observed a disturbing trend of indigenes of other states trying cross the boarders from neighboring states to be tested and treated for COVID-19 since they believe they will be well taken care of in Akwa Ibom State. We will not hesitate to return cases to their points of migration.

“Citizens and Residents are advised to remain vigilant and promptly report such cases to prevent the break out of community transmission in our state. All border communities must join hands with our border security team in securing our borders to ensure infected persons are not brought into the state.

The state government also used the occasion to reiterate that the BAN on BURIALS, WEDDINGS and indeed all forms of SOCIAL GATHERINGS is STILL IN-FORCE until further notice. (Text, excluding headline, courtesy Saturday Independent)

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