Civil Society Group Knocks Government For Easing Lockdown On Covid-19

CYRIACUS IZUEKWE

A civil society organization, known as Centre for Human and Socio-Economic Right, CHSR, has condemned and described the easing of the lockdown at this critical period of the fight against the spread of Covid19 as an act of wickedness.
P.M.EXPRESS reports as was disclosed by the President of CHSR, Comrade Alex Omotehinse, during the World Press Conference in Lagos on the State of the Nation.
The group noted that the Federal Government’s action was not the best decision at this critical period when the index cases were still increasing on daily basis. They urged Nigerians to pray very well so that God will not allow the pandemic to spread like in other countries of the world.
In a press release duly signed by the President, Alex Omotehinse and General Secretary, Comrade Agbedina Omokehinde, CHSR stated that Covid-19 pandemic has exposed the weakness of Public Healthcare system and it has became obvious that people at the helm of affairs in Nigeria do not have any plan for the less privileged in the society.It stated that before the 14 days lockdown, it was on record that Nigeria had only 111 confirmed cases of Coronavirus in about 12 States with only one death all over the federation but within a week of the lockdown, it increased to about 300 cases and increased more in another 14 days of lockdown to about 300% and continued to increase daily to over 3,000 cases of Coronavirus in Nigeria.

It further stated that the State and Federal Government should be blamed for the spread of the virus beyond control going by the level of the Public Health Sector which may cause the death of Nigerians especially the poor masses who cannot afford the cost of treatment.

The group urged the Federal Government to address the issue of palliatives to ensure they get to the vulnerable people instead of easing the lockdown and leave Nigerians to their fate after wasting those days in lockdown.It noted that the curfew imposed in Lagos and Ogun States cannot work because of traffic congestion and the new directives by the Ministry of Transport to reduce the number of passengers and other inconveniences. They said that the 8.00pm curfew will not be achievable rather it will create room for extortion by security agencies at the end.

The group made the following demands: The new population census with immediate effect from 1st June, 2020, State resident data for effective social policy and system for all citizens, chapter two of the Nigerian Constitution to be made justifiable among others. The group wished victims of Coronavirus currently undergoing treatment quite recovery and sympathize with family and friends of those who did not survive Covid-19 pandemic and prayed for God to console them and control the virus in the World.