Governor Nyesom Wike.
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike has appreciated churches in Rivers state for complying with the directive of maintaining social distance during Sunday service to check the spread of Coronavirus.
Addressing journalists after he led the task force on enforcement of the ban on public and religious gatherings to monitor compliance on Sunday, Wike said that the churches ensured that each service had about 50 worshippers as agreed during the meeting at government house, Port Harcourt.
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Governor Wike accompanied by service commanders monitored compliance at Saint Thomas Anglican Church, Mile Two Diobu; Saint John’s Anglican Church, Rumueme Deanery; Saint Peter’s Anglican Church, Rumuepirikom Deanery; Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Rumuapara District and Abundant Life Evangel Mission Cathedral, according to Simeon Nwakaudu, Special Assistant on media to the governor.
The governor also visited Saint Andrews Anglican Church, Rumuobiokani; Saint Michael’s Anglican Church, Rumuomasi Deanery; the Eternal Sacred Order of Cherubim and Seraphim; Mount of Grace, Elekahia; Saint Barnabas Anglican Church, Elekahia Archdeaconry; Saint Paul’s Cathedral, Diobu.
The team moved through Corpus Christi, Port Harcourt, Living Faith Church, Kaduna Street, D-Line and Churches on Aggrey Road in Port Harcourt.
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All the churches visited had running water, soap and hand sanitizers to disinfect worshippers before and after service.
Governor Wike said “the compliance is very much appreciated, except for two churches that did not completely comply. Saint Thomas Anglican Church and Holy Trinity Rumuapara. I have told the Pastors that I don’t want to shutdown the two churches.”
“In all, we are satisfied with the total compliance. That shows that the people appreciate what we are talking about. For us, the safety of our people remains key. We are happy today.”
“For the two churches that failed to comply, we will review the situation and take action. As you can see, we went to different churches.”
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It will be recalled that the governor met with religious leaders at the government house, Port Harcourt, where it was resolved that no church service should exceed 50 persons.
The Governor advised all religious groups to spread out their worship time to admit fewer people per time.
