President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday ordered a complete lockdown of Kano State to control the spread of the coronavirus and other mysterious diseases killing people in the state.
In a nationwide broadcast, Buhari also extended by one week, the four week lockdown on Lagos, Ogun and the Federal Capital Territory even as he announced new measures that will be put in place when the lockdown is partially relaxed in the areas come May 4.
How did the broadcast and measures announced go with Nigerians? The Next Edition got some reactions.
Mr. Alexander Ekemenah: “I’ve no quarrel with the extension of the lock-down for another week in Lagos and Ogun States including Abuja. The federal government should closely monitor what’s going on in Kano State so as to help salvage the situation there that is fast becoming very alarming.
“Finally, federal government should have a strategic template for dealing with emergencies like this. It’s not when you have an out break that you start running from pillar to pole. Strategic preparation and rapid response are needed to save people’s lives. Just like in a war situation or period of natural disasters that you must evacuate people from danger zones if you want to avoid mass casualties. ”
Toye Fawole: ” The broadcast was neither here nor there. It was too much of a head-in-the-sand for the global challenge that the whole world is passing through. We deserve more than this.”
Tony Opara: “There’s nothing special about the speech given that he said most of what is expected. Nigerians expected him to ease the lockdown. You will notice that nothing much was said about palliatives as it’s a failed project with Governors refusing the expired rice from Col Hamid’s Customs. It’s obvious that not easing the lockdown will further damage an already damaged and mismanaged economy by the APC government.”
Naija Daily: “Buhari has failed Nigerians;
After being unable to support Nigerians during this lockdown, Buhari has left us to our fate, Nigerians who were struggling with hunger during the lockdown will have to contend with risk of exposure to coronavirus. May the best immune system win.”
Afam Andrew: “I am tired of this argument. In this 2020 some Nigerians still doubt the existence of coronavirus in the country?
When ignorance meets with stupidity, the accident is always fatal if not death.”
Demi Khay: “In my opinion, it is not a wise move to relax Lagos Lockdown on May 4th. Even after Ghana lifted her lockdown, the Coronavirus cases still increased talk less of Nigeria. The Government has responded to the complains of Nigerians due to hunger.”
Agub Uche: “Nigerians are yet to comprehend the speech of the president yesterday. Though it has been interpreted by many scholars. But I believe there is actually light at the end of the tunnel. Let’s keep our fingers crossed.”
Aproko Doctor: “Lagos has one of the most dense populations in the world.
I think we should wait until the numbers start to decrease at least before relaxing a lockdown.
People are sick and tired of the lockdown yes, but you do realize how stubborn Nigerians are right?”
Olaleke Folaranmi: “Hmmm tough decision? Yes.
Wrong? It depends
Many Nigerians still rate “hunger” over COVID19 plus most are dependent on daily wages. I’ve attended to financial distress calls in the last 2 weeks.
I hope our cases won’t get to the level that we will beg to be Locked back down.”
Marvel William: “Itz a hard one
This is the hard truth
Until we hit 10,000 case and our facilities can’t hold up anymore that is when we will want to be locked down.
Imagine going out and coming back Infected. Thereby passing it down to ur kids n loved ones unknowingly.
U wont even think of food.”
Balogun: “The results during the week, will influence Lagos state decision next week. If there is a decline, gradual easing of lockdown should happen, else it becomes stricter.
I hope Lagos can test up-to 20k people this week, massive testing will reveal the true state of covid19 in Lagos.”
Toluwase Pelumi: “Has the government shown any sign of progress in tackling Covid19? Have they made any plans to test more? Why lock people in when there’s absolutely no forward thinking on their part? If Ghana is testing over 100k, Lagos should be doing 80k plus.”
Andre pryme: “We can’t continue the lockdown because people need to get their daily bread, regardless of the risks involved.
Brace up guys!!!
Melinda Gates might be right after all with her prediction.”
READ ALSO: Buhari Extends Lockdown In Lagos, Ogun, and Abuja
Obi Sonic: “I think it’s the right decision to lift the lockdown. It’s only less than 10% of the cases that die and people normally die in large numbers from other diseases in Nigeria and so doesn’t make much difference.
But the lockdown will increase hunger which will increase crime rates, breakdown of law and order, police brutality whilst worsening the bad economic situation.”
Lady Patricia: “The lockdown is only minimally being observed. And that’s only on major roads. So I don’t see it’s use really. People who are vulnerable and those who don’t have to be out should stay indoors. Let’s just be ready for the worst. Everyone going out should know it’s at his own risk.”
Michael Onyeweke: “Someone once asked if Africa can afford a prolonged lockdown. The simple answer is No!
I expect the Government to focus on keeping everyone safe without compelling the folks in the informal sector to stay at home.
” One very obvious solution is to enforce nationwide use of face masks.
That way, everyone feels safe and can keep their businesses running. The govt needs to ensure that masks are easily available, both free and for sale. People will donate it to the less privileged ones around them.
“Hence, there will be fewer people to give food palliatives because those that have businesses will be engaged.
The only way that lockdown will be effective in Africa is if the government effectively provides food and other basic needs to all those in dire need.
This is obviously a Herculean task for the govt, hence, lockdown should not be an option.
Keep the people working, but introduce policies and measures that will improve safety and hygiene effectively.”
