In a Twitter address today, Saturday 11th of April, 2020, as Nigerians go through yet the worst year in record history, the government seems to be extending the lockdown imposed on Lagos, Ogun and the FCT, but is promising to release some 70,000 tonnes of grains to support “those in most need.”
This is coming a day after the gloomiest Easter Friday in centuries, and amidst fear and uncertainty for most Nigerians who rely on their daily wage to survive.
President Buhari initially tweeted a message of appreciation to Nigerians for their patients.
“I wholeheartedly thank all Nigerians for your patience, resolve and strong determination to defeat the Covid-19 outbreak,” the President tweeted.
He then attempted to placate Nigerians by telling saying, “No elected government could ask more of the citizens of the country that elected them than what we ask of you today.”
While the President isn’t yet very clear on how long an extension would last for, it’s already in the writing that the lockdown won’t be going away anytime soon.
“But we must ask you – once more – to observe restrictions on movement where they are in place, and follow the instructions of our scientists and medical advisers: stay home, wash your hands, save lives.”
“The freedoms we ask you to willingly forsake today will only last as long as our scientific advisers declare they are necessary. But they are essential – world over – to halt and defeat the spread of this virus.”
Lagosians in most part have already started defying the lockdown, with some taking their jogging to the streets, while traffic jams have been witnessed in some roads on the Island of Lagos and some areas in Abuja.
The army, however, arrested 34 joggers and were later sentenced to 14 days isolation.
The lockdown is already taking its toll on poor Nigerians. Earlier today, OYOGist.com recalls that there were several reports of thefts and robbery in Ogun state.
The President is promising to release 70,000 tonnes of grains from the National Strategic Grain Reserve for citizens in most need and the continuation of the distribution of small cash to Nigerians.
The president also advised Nigerians to continue to pay attention to mass media on how to get the payments and distribution of items from the government.
