It was a shocking and yet right move when the FG banned all gathering of over fifty persons, and then emphasized that social distancing be held with utmost importance. Its statement were glaring, maybe perhaps the one not too clear,
was the virus getting another name, courtesy Mr. President. That now is water under the bridge as the pandemic has pitched its tent in almost twenty states of the country, and as such lockdown to curb the spread of this virus.
While complementing the FG on one hand, the other must not be held back or tied, if it feels the FG deserves knocks on the head. The virus broke out in China, and became a global pandemic when it left the Asian continent to Europe, Africa and America.
Even the WHO gave a stern warning, some days before the virus set foot in Nigeria, that “nations should brace up, as the pandemic was going to spread in the coming weeks ".
The virus didn’t take Nigeria by surprise, at least not with the ostentatious statements by the FG from
28th January 2020, where it assured its citizens of her readiness to strengthen surveillance at five international airports in the country, to prevent the spread of coronavirus – perhaps time was so short!
January was supposed to be our state of preparation as a nation, at least that’s what the FG meant when it set up a Coronavirus Preparedness Group to reduce the impact of the virus if it eventually spreads to the country.
And just like lightening, the first case struck Nigeria when an Italian citizen decided to bring this dreaded virus to our shores on the 27th February 2020. Perhaps he just wanted to see how truly prepared our government was, to see if it was all talk without action from 28th January.
Expectedly, a month after, we still have no record about this Italian citizen; perhaps the more reason why fifteen Chinese doctors have come into Nigeria, to help translate his name, maybe Italiano is their father tongue and of course including their medical duties.
The palliatives, the only time the national cake can be judiciously shared, seems to be eluding some sections. Over 2.6 million households according to the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Sadiya Umar Farouq have benefitted from the 20,000 coronavirus palliative given by the FG.
No wonder a group in the South East expressed its disappointment that accountability and transparency haven’t been displayed in the supposed palliative that is to stimulate the poorest of poor.
Amongst the many deeds done out of ignorance, love, sentiment or care is the ban placed on social gathering of more than fifty persons, to limit the spread of COVID19.
While schools and large gatherings have been banned in the country, some have paid deaf ears, while others have found a way out in this wilderness of lockdown, which is night parties.
Let’s not be stupid to refuse to learn from others. Sadly, Italy is the case in point here. The cases in Italy rose up drastically by 2,249 to 12,839 on Thursday 12th March 2020, less than 24 hours after measures were expanded.
Giovanni even warned that ignoring the ban could result in “thousands of deaths”. This plea fell on deaf ears, and Italy is one of the most hit country with COVID 19, with the likes of Spain and the United States of America.
Let us not be like children who see the impact of fire on our brothers, and still decide to get burnt, just to know what it seems like.
The lockdown across Nigeria is for our own good, we can only leave to ask questions after this whole pandemic is over, only if we practice social distancing, maintain a good hygiene, and regularly wash our hands.
Let no amount of celebration make us defy the very government we chose. Remember, let every person be loyally subject to the governing (civil) authorities. For there is no authority except from God [by His permission, His sanction], and those that exist do so by God’s appointment.
Joshua Odidi
No comments:
Post a Comment