A former General Evangelist of the Christ Apostolic Church, Prophet Samuel Abiara, has said politicians and government workers who steal from COVID-19 funds are cursed.

Abiara, in a statement on Monday, commended the Lagos State Government for reopening worship centres and pledged the commitment of his congregation to keeping regulations on COVID-19.

He, however, called on religious leaders in the country to intensify prayers for the end of the virus, saying only God could deliver the world from the pandemic.

“For those who are in charge of the donation of money, food items, etc, God said you must not steal anything from the money, food and all items donated for COVID-19 for yourself. If you do that, curses of the pandemic will be in the family of those who do this,” he added.

Abiara also asked Nigerians to go into agriculture, urging those with land, irrespective of the size, to cultivate them.

He appealed to the government to support agriculture, diversify the economy and reduce reliance on oil and gas.