Many Nigerians looked forward to the April 13 presidential address hoping to get answers to concerns during the lockdown. The reassurance of the head of government means a lot to the already distressed citizenry battling series of assaults since the forced closure on the 30th of March.
However, a number of these concerns were not addressed in the President’s speech. First, the speech did not specify policy responses to the looming food insecurity, financial crises, and job insecurity. Also, various forms of violence which increased during this lockdown was unaddressed by the President in his speech. Yet, this is one thing that has killed more than COVI-19 during the lockdown. Armed robbery, citizen’s unrest, and domestic violence are growing in different parts of the country.
Particularly in Lagos and Ogun States, increasing incidences of armed robbery has resulted in considerable unrest. In addition to this, a number of casualties have also resulted from the involvement of security operatives in enforcing the lockdown.
Aside the hardship and insecurity, there were queries about the palliatives of the government which the address could provide clarifications. For instance, several questions have arisen on the capacity of the national disease control centre, including the number of test conducted daily.
Also, questions bothering on accountability about use of COVID-19 funds have emerged in the last couple of weeks. Fairness in the distribution of palliatives particularly to the poor have also been a recurring question. The inadequacy of government palliatives is another issue that has been making wave in the national conversation.
The disjointed approach adopted by different states in the country has been generating anxiety, panic, and further questions. For example, the controversial partial relaxation of lockdown by some states ahead of Easter celebration was greeted by unsavory responses among Nigerians last week. Some Northern governors have also hinted on a possible relaxation of the lockdown because of its economic implications.
To many Nigerians, this lack of synergy in the mitigation approach in states is questionable and may compound the hardships that have been experiencing.
It appears that the greatest question among Nigerians bothers on balancing the social and economic implications of the lockdown within the collective national reality while preventing the spread of the deadly virus.
Perhaps, the presidential address could have extended to speak to some of the questions to help resolve the growing concerns in the country. While the effort of the government might have been commendable to some extent, significantly more leadership is needed at this point.
This implies a more comprehensive and robust approach, an increased synergy among state governments, and a more directed and specific strategy to combat the emerging challenges surrounding the lockdown.