Following the outbreak of covid-19 in Nigeria and the resultant measures taken by the government to contain the pandemic , the reactions of the citizens have been two- fold: Enforce the measure through lockdown to minimise spread and two, open up the lockdown while applying precautionary measures.
While the first measure appeal more to health practitioners as the surest way and indeed look more convincing to minimizing the pandemic it doesn’t appeal to the economist and indeed mass majority that would prefer the opening of the market since the government palliative measure is inadequate to keep people at home.
Although, Lagos,Ogun , FCT ,Rivers ,Kaduna and of late Kano have adopted lockdown measures that appears very though, the same cannot be said of state like Kogi where it seems business is as usual. Although, the state also enforce ban on social gatherings and has been consistent in enlightening the citizens through mass media. It is noteworthy that States that have adopted though lockdown measures have not been too popular to the citizens as evidence by protest and complaints. This has resulted to the recent softening of the policy to win the hearts of the people.
Until recent controversy over the status of covid-19 in Kogi state, the Kogi state government has maintained and still claim to maintain a negative status thus justifying no need to enforce a lockdown. This policy more than anything else has won the governor more admirers. Many have wandered what life will look like if there were to be lockdown in Kogi state.
Perhaps, aware of this new earned legitimacy, the state government was quick to even relax religious gatherings as churches and mosques have resume normal activities. Eid prayers were even observed during the recent Eid-il fitr celebration. These measures have won the government more acceptance even among its avowed critics.
Many who wondered what the state government stands to gain with what seems like ‘ Volte-face ‘ policy towards covid-19 are missing one important point: The legitimacy of the people cannot be easily wish away.
Aminu Isah is a lecturer with Federal University Lokoja, he writes from Lokoja, Kogi State.
