Rivers Government Closes Schools, Directs Restriction of Religious Activities

The Rivers State Government has announced the closure of all schools in the state with effect from Monday, March 23 and directed all religious organisations to restrict their activities as a result of the global Coronavirus pandemic.

The government also said it would punish institutions that violate the order.

In a state-wide broadcast yesterday, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, said the action was taken in the interest of Rivers State.

The closure affects public and private Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Institutions, he said.

He said: “Based on the above precautionary measures, the state can be described to be at an alert state. To further strengthen our resolve to protect our citizens, the State Government has taken the following decisions: All schools in the state are to be closed down with effect from Monday, March 23, 2020, and all religious organisations are to restrict their activities.”

Wike said that his administration took the decision with a deep sense of responsibility.

He said: “As you are aware, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has described Coronavirus as a global pandemic. This development calls for collective action by all well-meaning citizens.

“As a responsive government, even though we have not had a confirmed case of Coronavirus, we did not rest on our oars as we set-up a Five-man Inter-ministerial committee to carry out an aggressive public enlightenment that will protect all those living and doing business in the state from the disease.

“This decision was taken because we understand that we are the headquarters of the Hydrocarbon Industry and also a major commercial hub in the country that attracts people from all walks of life.”

The Rivers State governor noted that with actions taken, the state was alert to address any situation.

“The committee had since its inauguration carried out stakeholder engagement with Community Development Committees, Religious Groups, Principals and Head teachers of schools, Traders Association, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Military, Paramilitary, Police, International Oil Companies and The Association of Local Government Chairmen of Nigeria (ALGON).

“In addition to this, radio and television jingles, flyers and billboards have been fully utilised by the committee to pass the prevention message to all