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By Anthony AJERO
“Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty,” a quote attributed to Thomas Jefferson, could not be more apt in our current milieu. Liberty, freedom, human rights and life’s essentials need be ‘vigilanted’ now more than ever. We have seen some leaders, such as Russia and Hungary, grab more power or strengthen their positions while the pandemic holds society’s focus.
In Nigeria, the headlines are awash with huge amounts swirling around COVID-19. “Coronavirus: Nigeria seeks $6.9bn from international lenders”; “Nigeria to set up $1.39 billion fund to fight COVID-19”; “Nigeria announces $136m to help businesses”; “$150 million dollars to be withdrawn from the National Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA),” etc, etc.
Our awful national experience with blatant plundering and the Nigerian Mafia shouts: eternal vigilance! Challenges abound. What are these monies for? What are the checks and balances to ensure probity? Yes, our questions may draw the usual Aso Rock attacks as has become traditional for comments perceived as unflattering. Yet, these are our commonwealth. Well applied, we benefit; if not, we suffer. Eternal vigilance is the price we must pay for our liberty.
Free Electricity for Nigerians?
The chasm between our reality and those of our leaders never ceases to amaze. Our legislators spawned talk of ensuring Nigerians get free supply of electricity during this pandemic. A reader from Mars will applaud this generous offer, sorry talk. Nigerians will tell you “Give us electricity” before talking of free electricity. In my Lagos area, we had no power for four straight days. Yesterday, shortly after it came back with very ‘low current’ it was a case of ‘back to sender’!
Lastline: UK’s Prime Minister Johnson vs. Nigeria’s President Buhari
Interesting to see how open democratic governments are to their people in the case of the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s hospitalization. Time of infection, hospital admitted to, progression of his health, identification of a Deputy, among others. In Nigeria’s case, the complexities could not be more confounding. For instance, after the first index case was recorded, it took a month for the President, against his style we are told, to address the people. We are a unique people, aren’t we? While we are at it, who knows where Chief of Staff Abba Kyari is? We do wish him well.
Globally | U.S.A | Africa | Nigeria | ||
|
Total Cases | 1, 448, 564+ | 400, 549+ | 10,712+ | 254+ |
|
Deaths | 83, 416+ | 12, 857+ | 533+ | 6+ |
Remarks | After 76 days lockdown, Wuhan reopens to the world | Lesotho: 0
Comoros: 0 |
SOURCES: W.H.O., JOHNS HOPKINS.
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