The Lagos State Government has come out to beg residents and religious leaders to take responsibility by complying with all safety measures imposed by relevant authorities aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19 amid the second wave of the virus.

The state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso recently revealed this, and Nigerians have been reacting.

According to him, it is in the interest of all churches to obey the rules by avoiding large gatherings as it can rapidly increase the spread of coronavirus in Nigeria.

He added that the Lagos State Safety Commission, alongside relevant agencies will be monitoring the situation with the aim of ensuring compliance, and not fine, since the safety of Lagosians is paramount at this time.

His words, “What the state government is saying and interested in for all churches to take responsibility against the spread of COVID-19 by staying from large gatherings of people which could easily spike infection of the virus which is already in its deadlier second wave.

“The state government, led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been clamouring on the need to comply with all safety protocols regarding COVID-19. So, when a reporter from a media organisation called me earlier and asked what would be the punitive sanction against defaulter of a ban on crossover service in the state, my response was that a subsisting public health safety HSS has taken care of that with a fine between N20, 000 and N500,000 on the discretion of the magistrates.”

“The Lagos State Safety Commission with relevant agencies will be monitoring the situation with the aim of ensuring compliance and not fine because the safety of Lagosians is paramount than at other measures.

“We should all guide against sensationalism. Moreso, Christian association has directed their members to shun physical crossover service and employ the use of technology via telecast where members can hook on for the virtual device.”