The Rivers State government has banned wedding receptions, imposing a 100 million naira fine on any couple found contravening the ban.
The Commissioner for Social Welfare, Mrs. Inime Aguma, who disclosed this on Friday, said the State Government reviewed the compliance of citizens to the Executive Order 16 on the conduct of marriages in the State.
She said that henceforth, applications for marriages must be accompanied by an affidavit stating that there would be no reception, adding that a fine of One Hundred Million Naira will be paid by defaulters.
She added that Local Government Chairmen are to be held responsible if they fail to monitor compliance in their various areas.
Professor Princewill Chike, the state’s commissioner for health said that Council also reviewed issues regarding public burials during the COVID-19 period.
He said that all public burials in the State are to be conducted in line with the Official Gazette of the State which stipulates that not more 50 persons are allowed at such ceremonies.
He said that families applying for burials must provide death certificates and an affidavit that they must adhere strictly with all COVID-19 protocols.
He said defaulters would be liable to a fine of One Hundred Million Naira while Local Government Chairmen are to ensure that the directives are complied with in their various areas.
