By Eseoghene Emuke
The Nigeria Christian Association (CAN), Delta State chapter, has directed Christians in the state to strictly adhere the sit-at-home declared by the state government aimed at curbing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
State Chairman of CAN, , Apostle Sylvanus Okorote, stated this on Saturday night in live interview with Radio Delta (Melody Fm), at Delta Broadcasting Service (DSB), Warri and monitored by NIGER DELTA TODAY Online.
Apostle Okorote, who doubled as the Special Adviser on Religious Affairs to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, said the sit-at-home order was for the good of Christians and all Nigerians.
He urged Christians in the state not to attend church service on Sunday following the two weeks lockdown declared by the state government to curb the spread of the coronavirus epidemic to the state.
According to him, “As far as I am concern, the stay-at-home order is for our own good. Besides being for own good, the church is actually under command (Romans 13:1-4).
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“The Government of the day belongs to God. God is the one that has put them in place therefore is our duty to support the government and to obey them.
“Governor Okowa is a committed communion member of Anglican Church and he knows the calendar and programme of the church. What he has done is to save Deltans and Nigerians from the spread of the dreaded disease. “
Apostle Okorote who cited various relevant sections of the Holy Bible described COVID-19 as Jezebel that requires the support of Christians to defeat as the ravaging pandemic is not a respecter of religion, colour or race.
He disclosed that he has informed Christian leaders especially head of churches across the state not to defile the state government directive.
The Delta CAN boss commended Governor Okowa for the proactive measures towards making sure that the virus does not find its way into the state.
“Everyone said the Federal Government didn’t take proactive action that’s why we are in the mess that we are in but now our state governor has taken a proactive action so that we don’t get to that point.
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“ I pity Akwa Ibom State because they didn’t take the action Okowa took until they found themselves with five positive cases in one day. After that Governor Emmanuel Udom slammed a lockdown in the state. It was too late. We should appreciate what Governor Okowa is doing, and the church do.
“The rural areas have been reached. I have done three letters in this period and all of them have gone online and LGA chairmen of CAN to ensure strict compliance with the communiqué sent to rural areas. Some of the pastors from the rural have already called me and that tells me that the nooks and crannies of Delta State are aware of the development”, he added.
He urged Deltans to continue to support government efforts as well as obey all the guidelines released by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) especially maintaining social distance and frequent washing of hands.
