Nigerians have reacted swiftly to President Muhammadu Buhari’s extension of the initial 14-day lockdown in Lagos, Ogun, and Abuja for another 14 days due to the outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the country.
President Buhari made the declaration in his second nationwide address on COVID-19.
The president said he was, “aware of the great difficulties experienced especially by those who earn a daily wage such as traders, day-workers, artisans and manual workers,” but noted that “This is not a joke. It is a matter of life and death.”
Buhari said his administration was committed to sustaining palliative measures such as food distribution, cash transfers and loans repayment waivers earlier announced by his administration during the period.
He expressed hope that the palliatives would “ease the pains” that may accompany the restrictive policies during the lockdown period.
Meanwhile, there had been complaints in several quarters that the government palliatives were not reaching those that are in need of them the most.
Some citizens who reacted to the lockdown extension order on Facebook and Twitter, have asked what the government expects them to live on while it lasts.
A Facebook user, Sikiru Ismail, said, “What did he expect us to live with or eat because no money no food and armed robbers no allow us sleep,”
Twitter user (@RealDreylo) said: “Some of us our Account balance cannot carry us for another 14 days.”
