Nigeria is still in the early stages of the coronavirus spread with less than a hundred person reported to have tested positive of the virus across the country, but the management of the spread has been described as shameful so far, to say the least. Authorities have been very draconian in their approach to exploit and oppress the helpless masses is their supposed bid to curtail the spread of the virus.
States that have shut down or limited social activities have put security officials on the street to harass, and destroy the property of the poor masses whose only crime is trying to earn their next meal in a nation where the government has not provided the basic amenities for them amidst a global crisis.
An ugly sight of police officers destroying the property of small businesses recently made rounds. The callous officers could be seen breaking crates of soft drinks pilled in front of the sellers’ shop, and soon moving to the next shop to throw down goods.
Another video made rounds where security officials made a roadblock, stopping oncoming vehicles to “check” for the coronavirus infection. This they did by having them form an outrageously long queue that didn’t adhere to social distancing requirements and then checking their temperatures. Passengers were made to stand for hours on end while waiting for their turn to be checked. Every single person on that queue was put at risk by the ignorant government and the healthcare system entrusted with the responsibility of protecting them. Many people could be infected due to the sheer carelessness of these people, who exposed innocent people to possible infection of the coronavirus.
Contrary to developed nations who are daily seeking ways to ease the effects of the coronavirus on their citizens, the Nigerian government is seeking ways to make life more miserably difficult for the common man. The role of government in times like this, is to inspire, provide, and protect, but the Nigerian government has done none of these, they have increasingly provoked the same masses they owe these responsibilities.
It is clear that if this oppression continue, the poor, frustrated, disappointed and hungry masses will take to the streets to express their frustrations. Anarchy is brewing but the government doesn’t seem to notice or care.
If this persists, we may have a bigger problem on our hands as a nation, Nigeria has a population of over 100million People living below the poverty level and this could be the straw that breaks the camels back stirring a national uproar. A situation in which the rich will be vulnerable and the poor will become the oppressor.
To prevent this from happening, the government should design a well-structured social support system, by creating food collection points in all local government areas, to cater to the poor who cannot afford to stock up their homes in a time like this. Sensitization of citizens should also be widely carried out via both conventional and new media, on ways to curtail the spread of the virus. The government should work with Civil Society Organizations (CSO) to also take the sensitization to remote villages, rural areas, farmers, and local traders. The sooner we nip this growing problem in the bud, the better for our nation.
