Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers state has cautioned worship centres across the state to abide by the recommended COVID-19 regulations like the compulsory use of face masks and proper social distancing during service hours.
The Governor stated this on Sunday when he joined the family of Chief Azubuike Nmerukini in a special thanksgiving in honour of his wife, Dame Oroma Nmerukini who survived a critical medical condition recently.
During the service at Saint Thomas Anglican Church in Mile 2 Diobu, Port Harcourt Local Government Area, Wike called out the Bishop of the Diocese of Niger Delta, Rt. Rev. Wisdom Ihunwo over a huge disregard for COVID-19 protocols.
He particularly frowned at the blatant disregard of COVID-19 protocol by churches in the State, saying the State Government could be forced to review the restriction on the number of people allowed to worship in churches.
According to Wike, he observed that more than 80 per cent of worshippers did not wear facemasks during the service.
He reiterated that the State Government will be compelled to review the number of worshippers allowed per worship service if the disobedience continues.
He said;
“85 per cent of those who are here are not wearing facemask. That is the problems we have. Nobody wants to obey simple instruction.
“The mere fact that we have agreed that we should worship and allowed everybody, does not mean that we should disobey the protocol.
“My lord Bishop, encourage our people to wear their face mask. It is very important. If this continues then I will go back and review the restriction to say it cannot be more than a particular number”, he said.
Governor Mike further expressed thanks to God for His healing hand Dame Oroma Nmerukini, who he described as a sister and mother.
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