The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has directed churches across the country to operate at a 50 per cent capacity for crossover night service holding today December 31, in line the federal government's directive.

In a statement released by his media aide Pastor Adebayo Oladeji, the CAN President Rev. Samson Ayokunle stated that there should be a stop to periodic threatening order to the church in the country as if they are the ones spreading the virus.

He noted that they are not happy with the attitude of the relevant government agency towards the church whenever there is any Christian festival to be celebrated, the CAN President also alleged that these agencies turn a blind eye to happenings at other public spots.

He said; “Whatever policy that the government adopts for fighting the pandemic is welcome by CAN. In fact, the President, His Eminence, Rev. Dr. Samson Ayokunle, has advised churches in the country to adhere strictly to the COVID-19 protocols in all our worship during the Yuletide season and that includes the Crossover Night service.

“Be that as it may, we are not happy with the attitude of the relevant government agency towards the church whenever there is any Christian festival to be celebrated. Are they saying the pandemic spread only when the Christians are gathering in their hundreds and thousands? Go to any market and see how people are observing the COVID-19 protocols by breaking them and the government will turn its blind eye to the market.

“Go to all airports especially and see how travellers ignore social distancing despite the wearing of the face masks. Go to other public places and see what is happening there. The CAN leadership has called on churches to encourage their members to take the vaccines. We are not only praying against its spread, but we are cooperating with the government in its efforts to stop the spread of coronavirus. However, let there be a stop to this periodic threatening order to the church in the country as if they are the ones spreading it.”