Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has temporarily suspended restrictions on large religious gatherings to allow Easter celebrations.
In a statewide broadcast on Thursday, Mr Wike said Muslims were also permitted to observe their Jumaat 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, 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.
“All Christians should have Easter church services with their full congregation and pray to God to forgive us of our sins, continue to intervene in our affairs and protect the state and our people from the coronavirus.”
The governor said the relaxation on mass religious gathering was limited only to the aforementioned dates.
“All other restrictions, including 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, shall remain in force until further notice,” Wike said.
“Most of these measures, including the restrictions on religious assemblies above 50 persons, were targeted at avoiding comingling, maintaining social distancing and ensuring that the state and its citizens are free from COVID-19.
“From all assessments, it is going well with our state and we are grateful to God for his mercies and protection.”
The governor thanked the public for their support and “kind understanding in the midst of the troubles you are made to endure at these trying times.”
