Covid-19: Governor Wike cancels concession for full congregational Easter Service

…Caves in to pressure to reverse earlier order

… Church Services remains not more 50 persons per service, maintaining Social Distancing

By Eric Olusesan

Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, has reversed his earlier decision to relax the concession granted churches to hold Easter Church Services with their full congregations.

In a Government Special Announcement signed by Paulinus Nsirim, the Commissioner for Information and Communication said: “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”.

The relaxation announced by Governor Wike for Churches and Mosques to have full service the mark Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

However, the relaxation was received mixed feelings by various denominations. The Port Harcourt Diocese of Catholic refused to accept the relaxation.

The Muslim Community issued a statement directing their branches to stick Social Distancing not large congregation.

National body of Nigeria Medical Association also opposed the relaxed concession granted to Churches by state Governors, warning that the gains so far achieved by the weeks of restricted movements to stem spread of Covid-19 would be lost to large congregational worshipping for the two days window across the country.

Despite the Wike concession, some Churches insist going on with their online services and no full congregational worship.

However, the Diocese of Niger Delta North of Anglican communion had directed that even when it embraces the state government relaxation, no Easter holy Communion if Churches don’t have holy Communion cups, short Services.

“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.”

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 Communication,
Rivers State.
11th April, 2020