COVID-19: Osun CAN, Muslim Community Differ Over Negotiation With Govt To Hold Crossover Services

By Ayobami Agboola, Osogbo

Osun State Government under the leadership of Governor Gboyega Oyetola on Sunday cancelled the annual crossover services in all religious Houses.

The new directives, according to a statement signed by the Secretary to State Government, (SSG), Prince Wole Oyebamiji and made available to CityMirrorNews in Osogbo, aimed at curbing the spread of the Coronavirus are still in force.

But, the Christians in the state said there will be crossover night service on December 31, in many churches observing it.

Speaking with our Correspondent through a phone call, the Chairman, Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rt Revd. Amos Ogunrinde said he was hopeful that the state government will reverse its decision on the new directives.

Ogunrinde who hinted that the body’s negotiation with the state government was still ongoing, saying in a couple of hours the state government will give another directives.

“We are very hopeful that the government will reverse its decision on the new directives.

“We’re still negotiating with the state government and we believe that in a couple of hours now , the government will give new directives.”

CityMirrorNews had earlier reported that the state government for the umpteenth time, reiterated its new directives aimed at curbing the spread of the Coronavirus are still in force.

Specifically, the Government said there will be no countdown to New Year ceremonies and cross over nights under whatever guise by religious bodies during the New Year eve.

However, Chairman of Osun Muslim Community, Alhaji Mustopha Olawuyi when contacted on the government directive held that there is nothing wrong in the new directives.

Olawuyi while speaking with our Correspondent on phone further explained that since the directives were aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19 , there was the need for each and everyone of them to comply with the directives.

He urged residents of the state to adhere strictly to COVID-19 preventive measures in order avert the second wave of coronavirus pandemic.