Fears, expectation as FG relieves rigour of lockdown

By Sunmola Olowookere
|
Following the federal government’s decision to allow some businesses and government offices to reopen this week, there have been myriads of reactions from the populace as to the wisdom in the decision.

The federal government although not stating the reason for its decision, critics felt that it was due to clamouring people that they could not continue to stay indoors in the face of recession and hunger that looms.

Leading this pack was the residents of Kano State that have taken to the streets again to protest the lockdown with claims that it was a disease for the rich and they needed to feed their wives and children, hence they could not continue to stay indoors.

Also, a medical expert, Dr Maymunah Yusuf Kadiri, Psychiatrist in Chief at Pinnacle Medical Services, Lagos, in one of the news report warned that prolonged lockdown could lead to increase in mental disorders, as well as domestic violence in homes.

The medical expert spoke on Police reported rises in incidence of rape and crimes in the country as a result of the government stay at home order and noted that the lockdown order by government though with good intention to curb spread of COVID-19, has its implication which is already manifesting.

According to the Psychiatrist, ” several economic and financial losses in homes where incomes of families are affected are already evident and the effects may trigger  mental illnesses”, warned Kadiri.

Kadiri noted that cases of domestic violence among couples during the ongoing lockdown have increased to about 64percent while a cursory study has attributed 34% of incidences in violence to issues around children and extended families.

In this vein, Kadiri urged that there is an urgent need for government to begin to look into the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic which she said “maybe devastating” on the long run.

In the same vein, Kayode Ajulo, a legal practitioner and human rights lawyer had also lent his voice to the clamouring as he called for an alternative measure to the lockdown occasioned by Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic a forthnight ago.

He admitted that although the lockdown measure and the curfew implemented in some states were not without significant benefits as it had reduced the spate of the spread of the virus, it however risked a complete halt of economic activity across the country.

His words, “It suffices to add that more than a third of the Nigerian population lives below the poverty line, while most of them live in rural areas and without access to basic amenities. If there is a need to completely lockdown the whole country for a long time, the potential death toll is unknown.”

He said that what the government failed to understand was the fact that it could not impose a lockdown like more developed nations, as Nigeria had limited resources to replace the incomes of citizens coupled with the fall in the oil price from which Nigeria derives 95 per cent of its revenue.

A cross section of motorcyclists have shown excitement at the development as they expressed hope that their business would be brisk again as more people would troop out of their homes to go to their places of works and businesses.

They however agreed that they were at risk of contracting the virus and noted that they would have to be more careful and wear face masks and gloves while dealing with their customers.

As the Federal government acedes to the popular demand, it would no doubt bring some relief to some business owners as some banks and financial institutions resume business in Abuja, Lagos, Ogun today along with some selected businesses which would open from 8am to 6pm.

However, President Muhammadu Buhari has directed that curfew now applies from 8pm to 6am, there was still restriction on social and religious gathering and that there would be no interstate movement until further notice, while pronouncing Kano State to be on total lockdown for the next 2 weeks.

Expressing his reservations on the federal government’s decision, Comrade Adams Oshiomole, the APC National Chairman was reported in the tabloids to have said, “I think it will be a bit hasty and dangerous to simply lift the restrictions. I think we should listen to scientists and not economists or politicians”.

A Lagos based lawyer, Mr Akinyemi Lawson expressed worry over the development as he predicted that the period might be a very disastrous one in Nigeria especially in areas such as Lagos.

He urged Nigerians to be very careful and cautious.

His words, “we might be thinking relaxing the lockdown is a blessing for us but I tell you it is not. This phase we are entering is a dangerous one, the rate of infections might be seriously high”.

He advised that those who could still work from home should stay home. He expressed concern over those that would need to take a public transport decribing it as  dangerous.

He warned that it had been reported that Nigeria was short of test kits and that aside from that, the treatment of the virus was not a pleasant one ,according to those that have been subjected to the treatment.

He stated that the relaxation of the lockdown was not a blessing as some believed while advising them to apply all precautionary measures if they must go out.

A retired labour leader, Elder Gbenga Esan has called for caution as Nigerians storm the streets today as he warned that government did not ease the lockdown because the coast was clear or that there no more COVID 19 cases.

He stated, “This is just giving Nigerians what they want because the fallout of this decision will be on them.

Many people will go about their affairs with no care or fear for the virus. Some at this point still believe this pandemic is a sham. In the end, the virus will spread and curtailment will become onerous.

“When that happens: many people will be left to die, treatment will be according to status and the masses will suffer because then, treatment will come at a cost!

Those who thought that by causing chaos, they can force the government to lift the ban and those saying ‘I would rather die of COVID 19 than hunger, should bear in mind that whatever happens to anyone will be a “you” problem not the Governments”.

He expressed that the countries sharing relief items to their residents didn’t just get there suddenly, ànd described it as the product of a working system built overtime with continuous modifications.

He said Nigeria is not there yet and can’t be overnight!

He warned against putting oneself at risk while saying that it is not the best way to fight, as one can only fight now because one is alive and once that change and one catches COVID 19, food, work, movement,….won’t matter anymore!

He urged Nigerians to consider these as they step out,

Can the government manage a full-blown COVID 19 crisis?Can they afford the treatment? Can they even get the treatment?

As the Federal Government warned that it would prosecute any found in the public place without a protective mask, a medical doctor, Dennis A. Castro has called for an intelligent use of the mask with claims that a prolonged use of the mask produces hypoxia.

He explained that breathing over and over exhaled air turns into carbon dioxide, which is why the user sometimes feel dizzy.

He stated that it could cause discomfort, loss of reflexes and conscious thought, generates great fatigue.

In addition, he said that oxygen deficiency causes glucose breakdown and endangered lactic acid rise.

“Some people drive their car with the mask on, that is very dangerous, because, the stale air can make the driver lose consciousness.

” It is recommended to use it only if you have someone in front or very close, and it is important to remember to lift it every 10 minutes to continue feeling healthy”.