A Deeper Look At Plateau’s Fight Against Covid-19 -By Adam Naziru Ahmad

The government of Plateau state announced the closure of all borders with neighboring states on the 2nd of April, 2020, to mitigate the spread of the new coronavirus (Covid-19) into the state from hot spot areas. No doubt, the government has taken a rightful step towards preventing any possible outbreak in the state.

How gladdened were our minds until greeted with the information that, safe passage into our beautiful Plateau awaits he who can afford to pay as low as N500 to some security personnel manning the borders. Never have I accorded much attention to this information until I saw someone, whom as at the morning of April 3, 2020, was in Bauchi. How could he have gained entrance into Plateau state then? “The Nigerian way” he said.

We thought this plague will cultivate the good side of Nigeria’s workforce, but the opposite is the bizarre case. Amidst this pandemic, he who can afford to sacrifice the safety of about 4 million Plateau citizens on the altar of personal gains – whether small or big, has indeed reach the height of heartlessness.

Corruption in Nigeria is raging at a pace that could not be tampered. It has eaten deep into us, to the extent that sometime we see it as a “Nigerian way”. It is imperative that further investigation should be carried out by government to ascertain the truth behind this corruption saga. Officers involved should also be brought to justice – to face the full wrath of the law. This will serve as a warning to others who have interest in perpetuating similar act.

The extent to which Covid-19 has put a halt to activities across the world is unprecedented, and as it continues to have its moment, proven unstoppable even by world powers. It becomes imperative that governments, both at federal and state levels, ought to know that there is no best time than now, to shun corruption and embrace good leadership that they failed to acknowledge earlier.

The state of our health sector is next to nothing, as such, the necessary guidelines put forward by the health authorities should be duly followed by all well-meaning citizens, if truly we don’t want to witness more of what is happening in Italy, Spain and France.

As the restriction of trade in Plateau state still linger, we will not relent in drawing the attention of his excellency, the Governor of Plateau state, to put mechanisms in place, that will lessen the burden inflicted upon the poor through proper sharing of relief materials.

May the Almighty in his infinite mercy continue to protect us against Covid-19, for surely, there are challenges in store and roughened path to tour, if things continue like this. Stay home if you can and stay safe.

Adam Naziru Ahmad is of the Department of Agriculture, University of Jos.