Jalingo — The compulsory prayers introduced by Governor Danbaba Suntai of Taraba State for staff of the Government House in Jalingo last year has recorded some casualties as the governor yesterday ordered the suspension of three workers for failing to attend the prayers for a period of time in spite of repeated warnings.

Those affected are two female journalists attached to the Government House press crew, Deborah Jonathan of the state owned television outfit and Hilda Adebayo of the state radio. The third victim is the personal assistant to the Governor's Special Adviser on Security, Ahmed Ben, whom the governor ordered to be transferred out of the Government House for the same reason.

Suntai was said to have handed down the directive during the compulsory morning prayer session for Christians at the Government House Praise Chapel after going through the attendance registrar.

Under the compulsory prayers policy, both Christians and Moslem staff of the Government House are compelled to pray three times daily from Monday to Friday. The affected staff were said to have incurred the wrath of the governor for failing to participate in the after several warnings despite a government circular.

Confirming the suspension to Daily Trust, the Chaplain of the Government House Praise Chapel Pastor Abraham Agyo said the action of the affected staff amounted not only to indiscipline but also a violation of government policy.

"As you are aware, government had issued a circular to the effect that it has become mandatory for staff working at Government House to pray three times a day according to their faith", Pastor Agyo said, pointing out that apart from several warnings from the governor, "I personally spoke to them but they refused to heed".

There were mixed feelings from the Government House staff over the action. While some saw it as a normal thing, others questioned the rationale for making prayers compulsory to the extent of being sanctioned for its non observance.