- With the current statistics, the fight against COVID-19 in Nigeria is not yet over;
- Some events in the country have shown an imbalance in the enforcement of laid down protocols on COVID-19 prevention;
- Politically exposed persons have taken a lead in compromising protocols and guidelines for public safety;
- The president and the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 should step up to provide exemplary leadership.
Many Nigerians argue against the existence of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic is far from over in Nigeria. While Lagos (the state with the highest number of COVID-19 infections) reportedly passed the peak phase of the pandemic, data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control has shown that Nigeria is yet to conquer the monster virus. Currently, there are almost 11,000 active cases and over 1,000 deaths from the virus. Yet, for some Nigerians, the pandemic is merely a joke, a ruse or a scam. In fact, DATAPHYTE observed how in June, many Nigerians carried on with the ‘normal life’ under the false illusion of public safety.
The sadder reality, however, is that this expensive joke appears to draw its strength from the temperamental enforcement protocols championed by the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19. And if you scrutinise events up from the inception of the PTF, you’d find their COVID-19 prevention protocols are somewhat biased. Stiff measures seem to only apply to Nigeria’s masses, exempting political officeholders. Hence, we summarised into three categories, the series of events that raise questions on the objectiveness of COVID guidelines and PTF’s enforcement.
1. Interruptions, arrests, and legal fiesta
In April, a top Nigerian actress, Funke Akindele was arrested and fined a sum of $260 for violating COVID-19 prevention guidelines and holding a party. Similarly, authorities sealed Jabi Lake mall in reaction to the violation of social distancing measures at the party thrown by Naira Marley, a leading Nigerian musician and entertainer. Naira Marley was further arraigned in August before the Lagos State Special Offences Court at Oshodi over violation of COVID-19 regulations. Law enforcement also did not limit sanctions to the entertainment industry. In March, a pastor was arrested for conducting a service. Similarly, the Federal Capital Territory COVID-19 enforcement team shutdown 16 churches in Abuja. Most noteworthy is the fact that law enforcement could justify these arrests under prevailing laws and guidelines at each period.
2. International flight for select few
International flights were not supposed to resume until August 29, yet reports showed how political bigwigs moved freely. In one instance, news broke out about how the President’s wife flew to Dubai on August 7, albeit for medical treatment. But even more shocking was the fact the medical appointment was reportedly a ruse. In reality, Aisha Buhari went to shop for luxury items against her daughter’s wedding. On August 22, nephew to President Buhari, Mamman Daura confirmed his medical trip to the United Kingdom despite restrictions on international travels. Compromising for a select few generates questions. How objective is the PTF and is the government sincere in its fight against COVID-19 in Nigeria?
3. Political mobilization amid COVID-19
Political rallies and other political spearheaded assemblies have also shown a blatant disregard for COVID-19 restrictions. While the instance of the late Chief of Staff warranted a public apology from the PTF, others not only go unsanctioned, but unnoticed. For instance, in Edo state, pictures gotten from primary elections show various degrees of non-compliance to the laid down guidelines. In addition, videos from political events have shown considerable impracticality in compliance to social distancing measures. Political events have not only been rowdy and crowded, but adhered to little or none of the PTF’s guidelines on COVID-19 prevention.
Democratic Equality
Equality is a fundamental principle in every true democracy. Yet, certain events show that Nigeria has not fully aligned with this fundamental principle in the fight against the novel virus. In practical terms, PTF has not been objective in the effort to safeguard public interest. The inadvertent or deliberate exemption of the political class from COVID-19 regulations, all the while championing the strictest adherence to the everyday man, is questionable. It calls for reforms, reminiscent of the adage, “what is sauce for the goose should also be sauce for the gander”!
Implications for public safety
The implication of exempting politically exposed persons (PEPs) from stipulated guidelines is very dire. It threatens public safety, inadvertently contributing to the COVID-19 transmission in one instance. In fact, participants of political events and rallies may experience higher risks of the virus. Also vulnerable are staff of PEPs and other crew members who risk exposure and succeeding transmission to the public. But perhaps the greater risk is the ensuing public misinformation. This perhaps explains the ongoing trend which argues against the existence of the virus.
Leading by example
Again, these trends serve as a call to exemplary leadership to the president and his PTF. It further highlights the important principle of democratic equality. As a result, the presidency must avoid actions that suggest injustice or bias. In the same vein, authorities should avoid one-sided arrests. In addition, the PTF should put in place effective measures that safeguard the public during political events. Overall, there is a need to ensure total adherence to stipulated COVID-19 regulations; this includes all members of the society, regardless of social strata.