COVID-19: Tambuwal signs law prohibiting preaching, public gathering

Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal yesterday signed a law prohibiting preaching and public gathering during the Ramadan period as part of measure to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the state.

He said the action was taken following the state government’s adoption of the position of the Sultan of Sokoto-led National Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and the Jama’atul Nasril Islam (JNI), both of which had agreed to suspend the traditional forms of worship.

According to the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Governor, Muhammad Bello, the new law revokes the Sokoto State Infectious Diseases, Immunization, Quarantine and Isolation Regulations 2020; and would henceforth regulate all activities thereto and stipulate punishment and penalties for offenders.

He, however, said the state government had provided an alternative for the clerics to have their sessions recorded via internet and sponsored for airing on radio and television stations across the state.