BOKO HARAM: FASHOLA BANS RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES AT LAGOS SECRETARIAT

Gov. Babatunde Fashola

Gov. Babatunde Fashola on Monday announced a ban on all religious activities within the Lagos State Government Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja.

Fashola announced the ban in an executive order issued to all ministries, departments and agencies of the state government and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

In the executive order with reference number E0/BRF/003, Fashola said the step was aimed at strengthening security within the secretariat following the spate of bomb attacks in parts of the country.

``I have observed with grave concern the lack of adequate security measures in place to check movement into and out of the secretariat, resulting in a high human and vehicular traffic in the secretariat.

``This situation is worrisome in the light of prevailing security challenges and the spate of bomb attacks in some parts of the country.

``In order to ensure the protection of lives and property within and around the secretariat, all religious activities within the secretariat are hereby prohibited.

``All devotees are now to use the Central Mosque and the Chapel of Christ the Light respectively which have been provided for that purpose,” the governor said in the executive order.

The governor said other security measures taken by the government included the removal of abandoned vehicles within the secretariat, the ban of touting and trading as well as unauthorized use of official number plates.

Meanwhile, some civil servants have reacted to the government’s decision, saying that the ban would not only inhibit the performance of their religious rites, but would also affect them in the discharge of their official duties.

``Before now, I used to observe my prayers at a small makeshift mosque just beside my office and it was very convenient because I had to do that about three times before going home.

``Now, we have been asked to travel outside the secretariat and do same at the mosque, I must confess it`s not going to be easy considering the distance and the number of times we have to pray.

``I understand the reason for the measure but I don’t think this is the best solution; the governor should reverse the order,” said a civil servant, who simply identified himself as Afeez.

Another civil servant, who pleaded anonymity, told NAN that the order meant that he would no longer perform his daily devotion at the office.
``That means I cannot pray and do praise and worship any more as I always do every morning. I can`t travel to the Chapel just because of that, I am not pleased with the decision,” he said. (NAN)