Why Nigerians May Celebrate Christmas & New Year In “Covid-19 Lockdown”

Charles Oyelesi

There are strong indications that Nigerians may spend Christmas and New Year or either of the two in lockdown.

Societynow.ng gathered that the move is aimed at guiding against the effect of the much-touted second wave of Covid-19.

Insiders disclosed that deliberations over whether or not to take this decision are already on in the corridors of powers.

Societynow.ng gathered recent happenings support the imposition of a lockdown but the state of the economy is serving as a strong drawback.

The digs by societynow.ng revealed that official records confirm increased Covid-19 infections in different parts of the country including Lagos state which is vital to surviving the pandemic.

It has not helped the situation that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has tested positive and is in isolation along with unrevealed numbers of his team.

The same fate has befallen Governor Nasir Elrufai who is in Isolation – though not positive for the virus – whose family member and some senior government officials close to him are said to be infected.

El-Rufai has threatened to impose another round of lockdown in Kaduna state.

The revelation that Boss Mustapha, the Secretary to the government of the federation (SGF) who doubles as the chairman of the presidential task force on Covid-19 and unidentified members of his “Household” are in isolation and battling early stages of infection has soared concerned about the need for a lockdown.

The Governors and SGF’s situations come in the face of increasing sensitization Nigerians to adhere to keeping safe protocols as the second wave of Covid-19 looms.

Societynow.ng gathered that the use of face masks, sanitizers, and, physical distancing have been abandoned in public places in Lagos and other parts of the country, except at very limited institutions such as banks.

“The fear is that as Christmas and New Year celebration roll in with the carefree attitude exhibited by populace the infection rate would naturally explode, especially as people travel to different parts of the country unhindered in the name of celebration” societynow.ng learned.

The information at hand revealed that while recent happenstances push for a lockdown, the thoughts of the implication on the fragile economy is stalling taking the decision.

“The economy is yet to recover from the shutdown witnessed earlier in the year and the reality is that another shutdown will worsen the situation. The challenge now is fashioning out a way that would restrict movements during the Christmas and new year celebrations and not affect the economy” societynow.ng learned.