It’s ridiculous selling facemasks without wearing one – Anglican Bishop emeritus

A retired Anglican Bishop, Rt. Rev. Raphael Okafor has described as ridiculous the act of selling facemasks without putting on facemasks.

He said facemask dealers must first show example to others by putting on facemasks before selling the products to their prospective buyers.

Bishop Okafor spoke when he led a team of clerics under the Igbo Christian Restoration Assembly (ICRA) to the government house, Awka, Anambra state to donate six cartons of hand sanitizers towards supporting the state government on its fight against coronavirus pandemic.

The Bishop attributed Nigerians reluctance to wearing of facemasks to ignorance, canvassing for more sensitization and enlightenment.

Bishop Okafor said: “Members should not ridicule or joke with wearing of facemasks. Sometimes it’s a matter of illiteracy. But the truth is that Covid-19 is real and it kills. We just heard that Anambra has three death cases. It’s very sad. Those in isolation centres are increasing.

“Even those that work in pharmaceutical shops are not wearing facemasks. The people who are supposed to show example are not showing. As much as possible, we the church leaders will keep on educating our members.

“Don’t tell them that it’s a law you must put on facemask. Because there’s a negative reaction when it’s presented as a law.

“These laws are put in place to prevent, which is better than cure. There’s some people that can never take it serious if there’s no law. Life is very important and should not be taken lightly. Whether the fine.”

He further called on government at all levels to take the provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for medical personnel seriously to ensure they carried out their duties unhindered.

The Cleric described as suicidal the treatment of Covid-19 patients by health workers without protective equipment.

“The governmemt must do more. No one sees death and voluntarily wants to go and die. It’s a commitment for the doctors to attend to the patients. But when you know that the disease is very infectious, then it’s mandatory they have the PPE.

“But when it’s not provided, you don’t expect them to commit suicide, because many doctors have died in that process. But if these equipment are provided and you’re still afraid, then you’re failing as a medical personnel,” the Bishop added.

Responding, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu thanked the team for the gesture, assuring that the donation would go a long way to ensuring the front liners are well protected.

He regretted the level of compromises among church members towards wearing of facemasks, urging the religious leaders to encourage their members on the need to protect themselves from the pandemic.

Accompanying the Anglican bishop to the visit were the President of the Penticostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Moses Ezedebego, General Supretendent, National Evangelical Mission, Dr. O. C. Dominic, among other religious leaders.