Covid-19: Confusion over lockdown in Niger state
From Mathew Jwantu, Minna
A controversial lockdown has begun in Niger state in response to the Corina virus, which included Markets Shops, motor parks, fueling stations, and Schools.
Our correspondent who went round the major nooks and crannies of Minna, the capital of Niger state, reports that major markets, streets, roads in the state capital really observed the lockdown despite no security or any law enforcement agency was seen on the street to monitor the compliance.
Recalled that the pronouncements of the shutdown by Governor Sani Bello has generated hit debate for and against by the Executive and Law markers in the state.
The debate erupted immediately following the positions of Niger state House of Assembly Members which frown against total lockdown of the state by the state governor Abubakar Sani Bello with a curfew over corona virus.
The house however changed the movement restriction from 5pm to 8am instead of 8am to 8pm as earlier imposed by the governor.
This position makes sharp division among the citizens which accordingly, leads to the partial compliance in some areas, total compliance in some parts, while in some areas people go about their normal businesses.
In Suleja, the commercial nerve center of Niger state, people go about looking for their daily bread same to Beji market and other major town away from the state capital.
One shop owner who gives his name as Mr. Joe, said ” though, it pains me to that I locked my shop but this is the best decision this government has ever make that’s the best to prevent this virus if we are to tell ourselves some home truth.
Another speaker Mr. Umar said, ” let me tell you if this decision of lockdown or what ever you call it continue for some days, I tell you the negative impart will be ten times worse than the virus “.