...Caves in to pressure to reverse earlier order.
… Only Church Services of not more 50 persons per service, with observance of social distancing allowed
Okafor Ofiebor/Port Harcourt
Rivers Governor, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday reversed his decision to allow churches hold Easter services with their full congregations in contravention of his earlier ban on gatherings of more than 50 people in the state.
In a special announcement signed by Paulinus Nsirim, Rivers Commissioner for Information and Communication, the state government said the decision to reverse the concession was taken after due consultations with eminent clergy men, 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,” the Commissioner said.
It will be recalled that the decision by Governor Wike to allow for Churches and Mosques to have full service against the ban on large gatherings which was in place in the state as part of measures to curb the spread of coronavirus has been received with mixed feelings.
Despite the concession, some churches had insisted that they will only stream their services to members through the mainstream and social media platforms.
The Diocese of Niger Delta North of Anglican communion had directed that even when it embraces the state government relaxation, no Easter holy Communion will be allowed in churches that don’t have holy Communion cups .
“Any church without the small communion cups should not have a communion service. Washing of hands must be observed by every member. Services should not be prolonged.”
The Port Harcourt Diocese of Catholic Church also asked members to stay away from the churches in spite of the directive of the Governor.
Also, the Muslim Community issued a statement directing mosques to stick Social Distancing directive of the government by not allowing large congregation of members during prayers
National body of Nigeria Medical Association also opposed the relaxed concession granted to Churches by state Governors.
The Association warned that the gains so far made by the weeks of restricted movements to stem spread of Covid 19 would be lost to large congregational worship for the two days window across the country.
Full text is Rivers State Government as follows:
GOVERNMENT SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
The Rivers State Government has cancelled the concession granted churches to hold Easter Church Services with their full congregations.
This decision was taken after due consultations with eminent clergy men, 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.
Paulinus Nsirim,
Honourable Commissioner,
Information and Comminication,
Rivers State.
11th April, 2020