Rivers govt relaxes COVID-19 restrictions, gives reason

The Rivers State government has temporarily relaxed the restrictions on large religious gatherings to enable Christians carry out their religious obligations during the Easter period.

Governor Wike announced the ease of the restrictions on Thursday in the capital of Port Harcourt while also noting that the directive also permitted the Muslim community to observe their Jumaat prayers within the period.

Wike said, “In the spirit of Easter, therefore, and after a careful review of the state of COVID-19 situation in our state, we have decided to temporarily relax the restriction on large religious gatherings.

READ ALSO: Delta govt confirms death of coronavirus patient

“Friday, 10th April, all Muslim faithful should observe Juma’at prayers in their mosques or prayer grounds throughout the state and pray for the peace, forgiveness and the blessings of Allah upon the state.

“Sunday, 12th April, 2020 – all Christians should have Easter church services with their full congregation and pray to God to forgive us our sins, continue to intervene in our affairs and protect the state and our people from coronavirus.”

The governor also noted that all other restrictions like the closure of markets, night clubs, cinemas, beer parlours, public burials, weddings, parks, as well “as the closure of our air, land, and sea routes into the state would remain in force until further notice.”

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now