Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, has lifted the ban on religious gatherings in Kano despite the two-week extension of the gradual easing of the lockdown imposed by the Federal Government on Monday.
Mr Ganduje’s Special Adviser on Media, Salihu Yakasai, said in a statement on Monday that the decision to allow restricted religious gatherings was reached at a meeting between the governor and religious leaders in the state.
“Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has accepted and approved recommendations by a selection of 30 Islamic scholars in Kano for the Government to allow Friday prayers to hold as well as Eid prayers,” the statement read.
“The governor gave this directive after a lengthy consultation with the Islamic Scholars and other government officials at Africa House, in the Government House.
“This means that the relaxation of the lockdown on the days of Monday and Thursday will continue, but Friday prayers will also be allowed as well as Eid Prayers, but traditional Eid celebrations in the state will not be allowed.
“The Imams have also been directed to ensure that everyone wears a face mask, as well as the use of sanitisers and washing of hands. They should also observe spacing as well as making brief sermon and observing social distancing.
“The state government has also inaugurated a committee that will oversee the distribution of hand sanitisers, sanitation equipment as well as face masks among others to Imams of Friday Mosques in the state.’’
A group, Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), had expressed concern over the growing number of states reopening mosques despite rising cases of the coronavirus across the country.
