Today is Good Friday, a day Christians remember the crucifixion of Jesus Christ more than 2,000 years ago.
Usually, it is a solemn day for Christians to reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ which gave birth to the Resurrection, the foundation of the Christian faith.
Easter is indeed very important to Christians as it ends the 40 days of lent characterised by fasting, abstinence, prayer and alms giving.
This year, however, the usual observances and celebrations, solemn and otherwise have been suspended as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
As part of efforts to curtail the spread of the pandemic, President Muhammadu Buhari imposed a lockdown on Lagos, Ogun and Abuja.
Some state governments also announced lockdowns on their states.
However, to celebrate Easter, some governors have announced a relaxation of the lockdown.
To that effect, houses of worship are allowed to hold services on Easter Sunday even as the people are free to move about from Friday to prepare for Easter.
The Next Edition spoke to some Lagosians on their feelings about celebrating Easter under lockdown and whether the lockdown should be lifted for Easter Celebrations.
Mike Ajose, Health Worker, “I think we should obey the law and remain home.
“This is the saddest lent/ Easter season I have ever experienced but let’s not make it the last by not obeying rules.”
Dr. Chidi Nkwocha, Dentist, “The virtue at this time lies in being safe.
“Sadly, Lagos does not seem to be winning the battle against covid-19.
Let’s make decisions based on these and much less religious obligations.”
Mrs. Jessica Nworga, Private Sector worker,
“It is humbling to be celebrating Easter in such a low key manner, but I am following up on air with my family.
“We joined the arch bishop’s Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Thursday and will do so today as a family by 12noon for the Good Friday service.
“I do not feel Lagos restriction should be lifted during this period.
“With the forced lockdown, we still have a lot of movement how much more when we lift restriction.”
Mr. Mike Nwabufo, Computer Engineer and Businessman, “Nothing happens without our ever Faithful God’s knowledge. Christ obeyed his Father, even unto Death on the Cross. We must obey our Leaders even unto Lockdown Extension! Let us do our bit & leave the rest to the Almighty God. Let us keep our trust in God. Obedience, the Good Book says, is better than Sacrifice!!!”
READ ALSO: Lockdown: Some Lagosians Share Their Experiences
Ms. Awele Nwogbo, marketer, “I felt sad that we couldn’t have the usual Easter Triduum rites, but I know the decision to do so was not made lightly.
“I also do not believe Lagos should join in lifting the lock down to celebrate Easter. Lagos cases have kept rising and lifting the restrictions would just give the opportunity for mass contagion and worse still, it could weaken whatever gains were made by the initial restrictions.”
Dr. Ifeyinwa Adegbulugbe, “Safety is key. And sacrifices have to be made to ensure this. The Church has never shied away from taking the lead in saving lives.
“Easter Triduum 2020 has come despite the changes and Christ will surely rise again.
“Lagos State is at the frontier of COVID-19 activities. The state cannot relinquish its leadership position, it has to follow evidence based protocols.”
Mrs. Comfort Ogwude, Retired Administrator,
“We can’t use other States to compare with Lagos State as it has the biggest Gateways in our country. Lagos has the largest number of COVID-19 in Nigeria. #Mytake#StaySafeEveryone.”
Mr. Peter Obi, former Anambra governor speaking on Arise Television early morning programme on Friday said; “It is wrong to relax the lockdown. Faith is in the mind. You can worship from anywhere. I have celebrated Mass as a Catholic in my house every day since the lockdown.
“The Pope still celebrates Mass and I follow the celebration on television from my house.
“We have a crisis that we do not have the resources to manage. So the lockdown should continue. It is better for us to look for a way to deal with the poor and vulnerable. It will be cheaper to do that than allow this crisis to escalate.”
Ms. Ngozi Chigbo, “I am really sad and bored with the whole situation but God knows why he allows it to be in this form. Since it is for the good of all, let’s stay in and keep praying for Gods mercy and for his will to be done.”
