Wike Suspends Ban On Religious Gatherings In Rivers Over Easter Celebration

Rivers State Governor, Nyesome Wike, has suspended the ban on religious gatherings to enable Christians to gather for the Easter Celebration.

The Governor also permitted the Muslim community in the state to perform the Friday Juma’at prayers within the period.

He 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 gathering.

“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 stated 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.”