The Federal Government of Nigeria says it is worrisome that many Nigerians are exhibiting reckless confidence in the face of the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman, Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, said this in Abuja on Sunday at the interdenominational church service against COVID-19 organised by the Nigerian Interreligious Council (NIREC).
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He urged religious leaders to always teach their congregation the truth about the virus and how they could stay safe.
“If you have no business going out, stay at home, it is scriptural.
“And I see a lot of Christians exhibiting reckless confidence and the Bible describes them as fools.
“Stay at home if you don’t have business going out, that is the safest place you have, if you have every genuine reason to go out, as mandatory, wear a face mask.
“My admonition to the church is that we must avoid exhibition of reckless confidence and tell our people the truth and ask them to do the proper things so that they can stay safe for their families, communities and for the body of Christ,” Mustapha said.
He said the national response put in place by the government was intended to protect Nigerians.
“It is not designed to afflict us.
“Every step we have taken as a presidential task force has been intended to provide for the good and welfare of the citizens,” the SGF added.
In his message, the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Most Reverend Ignatius Kaigama, said: “Social distancing does not mean distance from God or to come to Him only when there is ‘fire on the mountain’.
“Neither does it mean that we pray so much to God whom we cannot see, but neglect to do good to the neighbours we see.”
