New COVID-19 measures not to deny churches of offerings, tithes

Following the new restrictions on religious gatherings announced by the Federal Government to curb the spread of COVID-19, presidential aide, Lauretta Onochie, has said that it is in no way an attempt to deny churches of offerings and tithes.
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The Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 yesterday placed a limit on the number of persons allowed at such gatherings and others.
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The PTF through the chairman, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, also said that the use of face masks will be enforced.
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“Restrict all informal and formal festivity events including weddings, conferences, congresses, office parties, concerts, seminars, sporting activities, end of year events shall be restricted to not more than 50 persons.
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“Limit all gatherings linked to religious events to less than 50 per cent capacity of the facility of use during which physical distancing; mandatory use of face masks shall be strictly enforced,” he said.
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Reacting to the announcement, Onochie said that the decision “is a matter of life and death.”
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According to her, “this is not an evil government trying to take the joy off of Christmas.
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“It’s not a way of denying church leaders their offerings and tithes.

It’s not the government denying us the opportunity of seeing our families whom we have not seen for a while.
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“This is not about Islam versus Christianity. Coronavirus has no religion,” she concluded.