First came the novel coronavirus dubbed SARS-CoV-2, and now, his half brother EndSARS. A non-biological, arguably just as lethal strain that isn’t going anywhere. While COVID attacks the upper respiratory tract, the other is less subtle, as seen in the Lekki Massacre. Speaking of the coronavirus, reports note a 32% spike in live cases (stands at 3028) in the week just gone by, albeit with fewer tests.
The question, however, is whether this is a direct aftermath of protests that rocked major cities in Nigeria. In the beginning, things were civil, but the latter stages of these demonstrations, which were now violent, saw no COVID-19 restrictions heeded. So far, while the coronavirus has been more of an afterthought in Africa’s populous nation, the Global North has not had such a luxury. The USA keeps setting and breaking records for COVID-19 caseloads, averaging 800 infections per day in some states. Elsewhere in Europe, Boris Johnson is signalling a second month-long lockdown, ditto Germany, albeit partial.
The consensus has been that Nigeria’s COVID-19 strategy was reminiscent of developed countries, albeit without their implementation or unique need. To say nothing of the inadequate distribution of relief to her vulnerable population. So, with an imminent lockdown in several countries in the Global North, could the self-acclaimed African giant be joining in? What effect will this have on the chaos that has ensued following the EndSARS?
Palliatives, a microcosm for bad governance
It is not news that the distribution of palliatives was dismal if not non-existent; it accounted for just 1.2% of Nigeria’s population! But some have noted it to be a state, not federal government issue. To this effect, PDP Chieftain, Professor Gregory Ibe urged the federal government “to investigate how they spent the resources made available to them during the period.” Meanwhile, there are reports of arrests from looting, even an ultimatum to return stolen relief items in Plateau. The Plateau state government denied the latter, distancing itself from its police, although condemning acts of criminality. The State Commissioner for Information added that it was the state’s intention to “share it to them in an orderly manner like we did when we did with the palliatives bought by the state government.”
For many, this is all reeks of platitudes and inaction. But the more important question is what all this does to an already sinking economy and a 2021 budget rife with plot holes? And with over ₦47.12 billion in estimable damages, how will the lauded Economic Sustainability Plan save the day? According to an expert in a Dataphyte analysis, having suffered two negative GDPs this year, a third was well within expectation. Not to mention the contraction the economy will face given all the looters wouldn’t need to purchase items.
Social media regulation, again
“If you go to China, you cannot get Google, Facebook, or Instagram, but you can only use your email because they have made sure that it is regulated” Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information
Cancel social media, sorry, regulate it? The Minister of Information has expressed his opinions to regulate social media following what he described as a “time bomb” of fake news. Following the China model, Lai Mohammed believes this will reduce instances of EndSARS protesters, who according to him were individuals with data and a smartphone who didn’t watch or read the news. Many have, however, criticised his stance, noting that the government should first provide the amenities China gave her citizens before replicating their clampdown on social liberties. More so, some reports note misleading news to be from Nigerians in the diaspora, who are trying to lend their voice to the fight. Besides, the double-edged effect of social media, sometimes, cannot be helped. Regulating it, however, is not the answer. The same tool galvanized the peaceful protests, provided free legal aid, and fundraised for the movement.
Similarly, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), under the purview of the Ministry of Information, issued ₦3m fines to Channels, AIT and Arise TV for “unprofessional coverage” of the EndSARS protests. SERAP, civic organisations and 261 concerned Nigerians have, however, clapped back with a lawsuit to Lai Mohammed and the NBC for unconstitutional fines.
Lekki Massacre- the game is a foot
Elsewhere in Enugu, Ogun, Edo and across the country, receive no less than 101 petitions regarding police brutality. And for Lagos, ground zero for EndSARS, things come to a head. Recall how we noted the ragtag game of “I didn’t do it” between Lagos state actors. Well, things are coming to light. First, the Army’s stance changed from we didn’t do it, to the Lagos state government ordered us to come in. Meanwhile, the Lagos state Governor originally said the incident was beyond his control, further claiming no casualties; then in a shocking CNN interview, admits to the Army’s involvement. Now, the Army is refusing to release details of soldiers deployed at Lekki toll gate to Lagos’ Judicial panel, requesting for an official letter from the state government. But the question remains, is the Panel not a function of a federal government mandate?
But is restructuring Nigeria the answer to all of this, as posed by Southern leaders? One interesting thing to note is how we’ve gone full circle, beginning with COVID, lockdown, post-lockdown, EndSARS, and now ending in COVID. Well, it’s far from ended, but you get the gist.