Nigerians react to closure of mosques, churches

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The decision of the Lagos State Government to shut down 53 churches, mosques and hotels across the state for noise pollution has generated a debate among Nigerians.

While some expressed support for the move, others criticised it, accusing the state government mixing up its priorities.

An online commentator with the user name MegaMoneyMan said it was long overdue.

“Finally, there’s someone who is bold enough to shun those unfounded religious sentiments that have taken us backwards by light years,” he said.

“For goodness sake, every religious organisation has an obligation to obey the laws of the land without any exception. But those who have been brainwashed and don’t know any better feel that the building they worship in is sacred, even if it was built without the proper zoning and approvals.”

Another commentator, One heart, expressed support for the reduction of noise and environmental pollution created by many churches, mosques, bars and restaurants.

“That “noise” takes away many residents’ sound sleep, kills every attempt to enjoy environmental comfort and makes Lagos state a complete nuisance among largely developed states and cities in the world,” he said.

Observer held a similar view, adding that the move might encourage him to leave Abuja for Lagos.

He said, “The churches near my residence in a supposedly upscale Estate in Abuja drive me up the wall. I was thinking of renting some speakers and blaring out Fela to counter their noise. Let them complain to the Police. But now, since the rent is almost due, I can move back to Magodo jare!”

However, Emmanuel Yankee said there were more important things to do than shutting down worship centres.

He warned the state governor, Akinwumi Ambode, and his cabinet that pursuing the cause would amount to fighting God.

He said, “Governor Ambode and his cabinet should be very careful about things that affect the worship of God. They should make sure that they are not a group of people fighting against people of God; because, if the people of God cannot fight, God can fight for them and destroy his enemies. They should honour God to be able to prosper.”

Another commentator, Okeke, also said it was wrong for the state government to have shut down mosques and churches.

He said, “Somebody should tell Ambode that that is not what he is elected to do. The Church asked for a Christian governor to defend her interest.”

Responding to the comments made by Yankee and Okeke, another commentator, Eneboy said, “So a Christian governor in Lagos should close his eyes for you to make innocent residents go deaf because of your noise pollution? You can deceive your members and collect their money many days in a week without making other residents go deaf with your loudspeakers’ noise.”

The Lagos State Government on Wednesday shut down 53 churches, mosques and hotels across the state over noise pollution and other environmental offences.

Some of these sealed worship centres were accused of converting residential apartments to places of worship, which according to the government has been constituting nuisance to other residents.

The General Manager, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, LASEPA, Adebola Shabi, after the exercise, said the agency had been inundated with complaints from residents and neighbours of the shut facilities.

However, some residents in Lagos State have begun reacting to the exercise, saying it is a welcome development.

Source: Punch