Wike reinstates ban on religious gatherings for Easter

Nyesom Wike

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has reinstated the policy of 50 persons per church service in the state.

The governor had on Thursday temporarily relaxed the restrictions on large religious gatherings to enable Christians to carry out their religious obligations during the Easter period.

Mr Wike also permitted Muslims to observe their Jumaat prayers within the period.

However, the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Paulinus Nsirim, said in a statement on Saturday that the government had cancelled the concession granted churches to hold full Easter church service.

“The Rivers State Government has cancelled the concession granted churches to hold Easter church services with their full congregations,” the statement read.

“This decision was taken after due consultations with eminent clergymen, well-meaning Nigerians, and civil society groups.

“For the avoidance of doubt, churches should stick to the 50 persons per service to maintain social distancing.”