Yemisi Izuora
Lagos-based socio-political activist, Chief Adesunbo Onitiri, has warned that Nigeria cannot afford lockdown of its economy now as it will have a disastrous effect which will compound national security and create more unemployment.
Onitiri reminded government that many Nigerians don’t have sustainable permanent jobs that can keep them during any lockdown, adding that if some people don’t go out in a day, there won’t be food on the table for their families.
Onitiri’s call was in a reaction to a call for total lockdown of Nigeria’s economy, on Monday in Abuja by the First Lady, Aisha Buhari.
“Nigeria” Onitiri noted, “is presently the world’s poverty capital and any lock down on our economy will have a disastrous and devastating effect which will compound our insecurity and unemployment calamities”.
“Many advanced nations are locked down by this deadly Coronavirus. Europe is locked down, China is, America has been and Asia is locking down. The huge economic implications of these lock down is enormous for these nations.
“Back home, we are yet to imagine the huge economic implications on our fragile and deteriorating economy which lacks any social welfare for the young, middle-aged, unemployed and old people of the country.”
Chief Onitiri wondered why a lawyer was selected to head the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19. What a joke and misfit!
The socio-political critic said it is rather unfortunate that Nigerians are unlucky to have leaders that don’t care much for their welfare and security.
He lamented that in this perilous times that the whole world is faced with the scourge of coronavirus pandemic, leaders of great Nations have been adressing their citizens many times, to assuage their fears and raise up their confidence.
“In Nigeria here, our leader, President Muhammadu Buhari addressed the nation on Sunday on the preparedness of the nation and the medical facilities available.
He ought to have done this several times for Nigerians to know the seriousness of the pandemic.
“The handling of this worldwide calamity is below international standard and unethical. It shows we are ill-prepared for this emergency which is dangerous for the nation.” he said.
He noted that if not for access to social media that keep Nigerians well informed about the dangerous virus, it would have been a natural disaster and calamity.
“Our approach to detection, prevention and treatment of the disease is lackaderstical. The information to the nation is in bits and pieces and usually not correct.
“Our approach to detection, prevention and treatment of the disease is lackaderstical. The information to the nation is in bits and pieces and usually not correct.
“Big nations commit huge sums for the cure and treatment of their citizens and also for research purposes. Our budget for the coronavirus is a peanut that is not even enough for a state.
“That the National committee set up for Covid 19 in Nigeria is headed by a lawyer who is not a medical doctor for the job is not good enough. It only shows how serious we are as a nation,” he added.
“That the National committee set up for Covid 19 in Nigeria is headed by a lawyer who is not a medical doctor for the job is not good enough. It only shows how serious we are as a nation,” he added.
Chief Onitiri said black people need to be grateful to God that has given us the sun and heat that provide environment not suitable for survival of Covid 19″.
On Abule-Ado explosion in Lagos State which claimed many lives and properties, he expressed pity that our President and other national leaders have not considered it necessary to visit the site and commiserate with Lagosians.
“This is a national tragedy. Even the Jagaban who was a former governor of Lagos State has not visited the people. These leaders have taken the people for a ride for so long which should not be so”, Onitiri concluded.