Rivers to confiscate buildings used as viewing centers, cinemas

The Rivers State Government has vowed to confiscate any building used for the operation of cinemas and viewing centres.

Paulinus Nsirim, the state commissioner for information and communication reminded residents of the state that the ban on the operation of cinemas and viewing centres is still in force, due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

“We must continually avoid situations that will lead to the gathering of people in large numbers, as this will enable us to flatten the curve.

“These Cinemas and viewing centres are businesses that cannot control the influx of viewers, as they maximize profits from the multitude of people that gather, neither can they maintain social distancing, as they cannot be controlled.

“All Local Government Chairmen are hereby directed to ensure that, no cinema or viewing centre is open in their areas.

“Landlords who allow their premises to be used as viewing centres may have their property confiscated by the State Government”, he said.