COVID 19: Governor Wike Bans All Public Gathering In Rivers State

The Rivers State Government in an attempt to protect residents of the state has ordered all public parks, night clubs and cinemas will remain closed till further notice.

Governor Nyesome Wike who made this known in a State Broadcast earlier today  noted that the closure takes effect beginning from Tuesday, March 24, 2020,

The governor also directed religious groups to temporarily stop all forms of open worship.

He said: “With effect from the same date(Tuesday, March 24, 2020), all public parks, night clubs and cinemas in the State are to remain closed till further notice.

“Similarly, after due consultations with religious leaders, it was agreed that all religious organisations are to temporarily stop all forms of open worship. Public burial and wedding ceremonies are also banned within this period.

“In view of the fact that the disease spreads fast through body contact, social distance has become imperative if we are to contain the spread.

“May I, therefore call on all Religious Leaders, Traditional Rulers and Opinion Leaders in the State to assist the government to implement these decisions by ensuring that persons under their care do not fall foul of this directive. “

Governor  also Wike directed Local Government Council Chairmen to ensure that public burials and weddings do not take place in their respective areas.

He said: “May I emphasise that Local Government Chairmen are to be held responsible if public burials and weddings take place in their Local Government Areas.

“Government will set up monitoring teams for the 23 Local Government Areas to ensure compliance. Defaulters will be seen as enemies of the State and will be made to face appropriate sanctions.

“My Dear Good People of Rivers State, the essence of governance is to protect lives and we cannot be indifferent when this COVID-19 continues to claim lives world-wide.