By CHRIS OJI, Enugu

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called for the re-opening of worship centres in the face of the coronavirus disease.

The Christian body expressed concerns over the shutdown of churches as part of measures to checkmate the spread of the virus.

The CAN in the South-East argued churches should not remain closed forever because they are centres of hope for the people as every other solution to the pandemic seemed elusive.

In a statement on Monday by the CAN Chairman, South-East, Bishop Dr. Goddy Okafor, the body said: “From the feelers around the globe, it is quite glaring that the solution to this global problem lies in God’s hands.

“While we appreciate the efforts being in place by various governments of the world to solve this problem, we must say that God must be resorted to at this point in time.

“We have seen that even the so-called world powers have melted in the face of this epidemics. This leaves us with one option- to seek the face of God as a people. Prayer is the answer, the key to this problem.

“To this end, we call on the government to re-open worship centres and allow the people the opportunity of gathering together to cry unto God.

“During such a period, Churches would take adequate measures to maintain social distancing by limiting the number of worshipers at a time, as well as providing items for social hygiene. This is the only way out of this global confusion.”

Okafor equally condemned the recent fire incident at the Accountant General of the Federation’s office, calling for discreet investigation.

“This is one incident too many and we ask that a proper investigation be carried out to ensure that there are no under-current dealings.

“It should not just be dismissed as an ordinary fire-outbreak considering allegations of sleeze currently trending in the face of the government’s social parliatives,” he further stated. (The Nation)