Pranks associated with April 01 as Fool’s day is being downplayed this year in deference to a more serious matter, the coronavirus pandemic ravaging the world.
Most residents of Awka view the event associated with the day as of less significance compared to what coronavirus was doing to global peace and welfare.
A number of them approached for comments refused saying they would rather save their breath for other things.
Mr Moses Nnakee, a vigilante operative, who responded to our correspondents’ prodding on the matter, said the time was a trying and should not be used for pranks but sober reflection.
“We are in a time of seeking ways out of this deadly pandemic that has crept into our nation.
“Anybody playing such a prank on me would invite my wrath for we are going through uncertain period that is unpleasant, ” he said.
However, Mr Peter Nnatuanya, an essential services worker said that though the situations in the world called for prayers and precautions, it did not stop humour.
“April Fool pranks are allowed to some extent of humour and not agonising for the situation the pandemic has put us in.
“What the citizens needed now is fervent prayers and strict adherence to lay down directives on curbing the spread of corona virus,” he said.
Miss Adaora Okeke, a civil servant, called on the citizens to join in making the nation come out of the pandemic un-shattered urging that regular pranks be kept for another day.
“Playful humour be postponed, as we join government in ending this pandemic fast,” she said.
NAN investigations online also revealed that there was little or nothing on April 1, as most social media users devoted time either praying for an end to the pandemic or providing perspective observations on COVID-19 from their areas of residence.
Others simply shared public service messages relating to the pandemic
By the Gregorian calendar, April 1 is the 91st day of the year that stands out as the only holiday that celebrates foolishness, also called All Fools Day.
Steeped in myth and controversy, one account traces April Fools’ Day back to 16th century in France when the 1564 Edict of Roussillon decreed that New Year’s Day, historically observed on Easter by Christians, be moved to January 1.
Early adopters of the new date began to dub others stuck with the previous tradition as “April fools.” (NAN)
