There’s been massive backlash against the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA) after its senior pastor, Biodun Fatoyinbo, insisted Sunday service will hold at two branches in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
In a post on his Instagram page, Fatoyinbo assured members that the church had put in plans to safeguard members stressing that services would be held in “clean, hygienic and safe atmosphere”.
“We are geared up to excitedly receive you tomorrow 22nd of March by 7:30am at our Centre Point Campus, Evelyn Event Centre, Gwarinpa,” he wrote.
“Worshippers can be assured of our unwavering commitment to a clean and conducive environment for service. Your safety is paramount to us and we are complying with the directives of the FCT administration by ensuring:
- Temperatures are measured using electronic thermometers
- Availability of alcohol-based sanitizers
- A considerable space between worshippers
- Effective airflow systems
- Above all, the blood of Jesus serves us from this pestilence.”
According to Pastor Fatoyinbo, the church is scheduled to hold services in two locations in Abuja.
It would be recalled that the Nigerian government has banned public gathering of more than 50 people including shutting down schools and religious gathering.
Although Pastor Fatoyinbo acknowledges this in one of his post on Instagram, he insisted church will hold.
As at Saturday 21 March, the number of coronavirus cases in Nigeria had risen to 22 with three cases recorded in Abuja.
The decision by Pastor Fatoyinbo has not gone down well with many who have taken to social media to express their displeasure.
Here’s how Aproko Doctor reacted to the news.
One of the things COZA stated for holding service is: “Electronic thermometers will be used”. Let me remind us that thermometers were used in AMVCA yet, motor jammed Egungun. People without symptoms have been shown to spread COVID19. If you wait for symptoms, you’re already late,” he tweeted.
Woye had an advise for would-be attendees at the Sunday service. “If you attend COZA’s service tomorrow and I pray not, you are infected with coronavirus, Biodun will not visit you at the infectious center. Be wise”.
Barca Principal held a more assertive position. “It’s very simple, If COZA church service should hold tomorrow, the police should go there, stop the service, arrest Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo and disperse the congregation. Case closed. No one is bigger than the government”.
There were others who felt COZA was unfairly criticized. Jack Robinson wrote, “Mr President attended a Jumat service. Special assistant to the President on Media organized an event. Fatoyinbo says there’ll be service in COZA. Everyone descends on COZA. How do you enforce a directive when the President and his Special assistants are going against it?
Emir of Daura gathered over 5K people & prayed against Coronavirus. Even in your President’s home home.
Garba Shehu organized a seminar despite tweeting Coronavirus ban.
COZA wan do service tomorrow but una wan choke am?
Just Outrage against who will dislike.
Nonsense
— POOJA… (@PoojaMedia) March 21, 2020
