A cleric, Prophet Christopher Owolabi, on Tuesday advised Nigerians to desist from the act of subjecting the COVID-19 pandemic into promoting comedy and pranks.
Owolabi, who is the General Overseer, Christ Apostolic Church, Ori-Oke Irapada, Omu-Aran, Kwara, described the acts as “unethical, unpatriotic and ungodly”.
According to him, the acts of playing comedy and pranks with COVID-19 pandemic, especially on social media, is against the positive efforts toward curbing the spread of the deadly virus by government, groups and individuals.
“It doesn’t portray us as serious citizens, especially when the world existence is being threatened by this singular virus.
“Virtually every spheres of lives have been grounded by the pandemic.
“Considering the lives already lost globally to the pandemic and its negative impact on the world economy, no right thinking person will chose to promote comedy with such situation,’’ he said.
The cleric said it would be more profitable and beneficial for the citizens to unite in seeking God’s divine intervention toward eradicating the virus.
“In times like this, as true believers, we are enjoined by the Holy Scripture to obey the authority on every precautionary measures to stop the pandemic.
“Then we are to be engrossed in serious devotion through prayers for God’s divine intervention to manifest as quickly as possible.
“Anything that affects human lives and existence has gone beyond being a subject of comedy and pranks.
“We’ve heard and seen series of comedy over COVID-19.
“Some people even went as far as printing customised Ankara fabric for COVID-19 on social media.
“That is ungodly, unpatriotic and unethical.’’
Owolabi also urged religious leaders to desist from capitalising on COVID-19 outbreak to deceive people with fake miracles, healings and unguided statements.
“As men of God, our responsibility, especially at this critical period, is to be good examples to our followers in collectively seeking the face of God for immediate end to this menace.
“We should steer clear of all deceitful tendencies in form of fake healings, miracles and unguided statements,’’ he said.
Owolabi, however, commended all health personnel in various isolation centres across the country for their commitment and doggedness in fighting the virus.
He also praised the efforts of wealthy individuals and groups who have contributed, both in monetary and material values, toward cushioning the effect of the lockdown on the citizenry.
“Such act of philanthropic gesture to fellow humans would surely be recognised and rewarded by God,’’ the cleric said.
