We Have Four Cases Not Eight, Bauchi Declares

Bauchi State Government has disagreed with the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) over new cases of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) it claimed to have recorded in the state.

On Wednesday, NCDC had reported that Bauchi recorded two new cases in addition to existing six who were receiving treatment. But the deputy governor, Baba Tela, who heads the state’s COVID-19 task force, argued that there was error from state and NCDC, that there was no new case in Bauchi.

“From the samples that were sent to Abuja for testing, two (follow-up) came out positive and were recorded as new ones for us. The mistake was that, it wasn’t tagged as follow-up sample of those who are under treatment.”

However, civil servants in the state have agreed to contribute part of their salaries to support the state government in the ongoing fight against the pandemic.

The conclusion was reached at a meeting with the state’s head of service, permanent secretaries, directors and the leadership of organised labour on Friday April 3, 2020.

According to an agreement signed by the Head of Civil Service, Alhaji Ahmed Ma’aji, and chairmen of labour unions in the state, permanent secretaries and their equivalents will contribute 10 per cent of their salaries from April to June 2020, while directors on levels 16 to 17 will contribute five per cent. Other workers will contribute one per cent.

In Kano, Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has raised the alarm over poor compliance to government’s directive to curtail spread of COVID-19.

Meanwhile, Yobe State University (YBSU) has embarked on sensitisation and donation of hand sanitisers to host communities.These are in compliance with the state’s COVID-19 preventive committee led by the deputy governor, Alhaji Idi Gubana.

While leading officials of the institution yesterday in Damaturu, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Mala Daura, disclosed that the massive sensitisation against coronavirus was part of varsity’s social responsibilities to host communities.

“We have over two dozen communities to serve and support in the fight against the deadly virus that claimed over 86,000 lives globally,” he said.Speaking on behalf of the host communities, Bulama Hussaini commended the university for the support and pledged to make good use of the items.

Nigeria: Kano Moves to Unravel Cause of Mass Deaths

Kano State government has finally responded to the people’s agitations and concern over reported mass deaths of people in the state.

Daily Trust gathered that the state government has begun verbal autopsy to ascertain the possible causes of the deaths and to enable the authorities to take the necessary measure toward ending the problem.

The government’s adoption of verbal autopsy was made known by the Deputy Coordinator of Kano State COVID-19 Response Team, Dr Sabitu Shu’aibu. He stated that the government had earlier put up a system to investigate if there was a link between COVID-19 and the deaths, adding that the system came up with the verbal autopsy method.

“Kano State government has begun house-to-house engagement with families of those that have died to carefully administer questions on the symptoms exhibited by the victims before they died. This is what is termed clinically as verbal autopsy and it will allow the health professionals to predict the possible causes of the recorded deaths,” he said.

Similarly, Dr Usman Bashir of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), stated that in an environment where an autopsy is not conducted due to some issues and when the dead had already been buried, verbal autopsy is the best way to go.

He noted that it is apparent that such deaths must be recorded because all attention is presently focused on the epidemic while other sicknesses are neglected, stressing that the adoption of verbal autopsy would unravel the mystery of the mass deaths.

“The verbal autopsies would surely unravel things that we are not even looking at because we have overstretched our energy and resources on COVID-19.

“It is a very good way of ascertaining the epidemic at hand or it could be that we are also experiencing another ongoing epidemic. Moreover, in an epidemic one has to work with rumour and suspicion and any observation of people should be taken seriously and also investigated scientifically,” said Dr Usman.

Kano test centre remains closed

However, all attempt to get officials of the task force committee to comment on the status of the AKTH test centre proved abortive. But a source close to the committee told Daily Trust that the centre was still not operational as at yesterday. The source further revealed that most of the samples collected were taken to Abuja for testing.

It was however reliably gathered that the test centre has been shut down for about five days as it stopped testing since last week Wednesday.

Centre demands explanation on testing centre closure

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has said the recent issue that dominated the public space was that of lack of activities at the only testing centre at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital. This was contained in a press statement issued in Kano signed by the Campaigns and Communication Officer of the information centre, Malam Ali Sabo.

It said the issue has generated a lot of confusion among people in the state and created mistrust between the people and the government, adding that many narratives were attached to the closure of the centre.

It said some people believed that the centre was closed due to the misunderstanding between the state government, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and people managing the centre, while others held that it was due to inadequacy of testing materials at the centre.

“Our investigation showed that the centre was closed due to routine fumigation, which by the NCDC standards, all testing centres have to undergo after a certain number of tests or number of days. Even at that, there is need for the people in charge of the Testing Centre at AKTH to come out and give official explanation on why the centre is closed.

“There is also the need for the state government to, as a matter of urgency, establish more testing centres as well as recruit more qualified, knowledgeable and experienced personnel to manage cases at the isolation centre.

“Our findings indicate that many of the people recruited and posted there have no experience or training in the management of infectious diseases such as the COVID-19 and therefore are not only a danger to themselves abut also likely to further be another chain for the spread of the virus in the state,” CITAD stated.

BUK to establish COVID-19 centre to test 180 people daily -VC

Vice Chancellor Bayero University Kano Professor Muhammad Yahuza Bello has said the university is set to launch its COVID-19 test centre to complement the effort of government in containing the spread of the new coronavirus disease in the state. The VC disclosed this yesterday at a press briefing at the Kano State government house on COVID-19.

He said the test centre, which had gotten approval of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), would become operational in the next 10 days.

He said the NCDC officials had inspected the laboratories and equipment at the University’s Centre for Infectious Disease Research and Control and had given approval for the centre to run tests for coronavirus.

He said over N50 million has been expended for the establishment of the facility.

“In Bayero University we have been making arrangements to see if we will be able to address this particular problem. Even if we cannot do all the testing, we are working on establishing a testing centre and our centre for infectious disease research in the university that has that capacity. We hope that in the next one week, maximum of 10 days, we are going to open a testing centre that will have the capacity of testing at least an average of 180 persons per day as against the 40 that the current centre does.

“To do that we have moved some equipment that were in other centres of the university. The PRC machines that we have in other places have been moved over to the centre. The bio-safety cabinets from other places have also been moved in.

“We are spending over N50m to put the centre up-to-date and also to purchase testing equipment.

“For the beginning, the order that we had now placed is at least 1500 testing kits that will last for at least 10 days when we start, but after that, we are to purchase more testing kits because the testing is most important,” the VC stated.

Situation is getting tougher – Ganduje

Kano State governor, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has stated that the COVID-19 situation in the state is getting tougher but assured that his administration is 100% committed to seeing an end to the pandemic.

“I will like to inform you that the situation is getting tougher and tougher; the situation is getting serious, and serious and very serious. But equally the same, we are determined. They say when the journey is tough only the tough can keep on moving. We assure you we will keep on moving until we see to the end of this deadly disease with the help of Allah (SWA),” he said.

Ganduje added that the state government has devised some measures such as boundary closure to curb the spread of the virus in the state. “Our borders continue to be blocked because this is the only way that we can limit inter-state transportation and getting infection from outside. We are happy that the northern state governors decided to lockdown for the next two weeks so all our borders are locked and they continue to be locked.

The governor also admitted that in terms of curative measures the state was facing some challenges. “In respect of the curative aspect, there is no doubt we have challenging problems. So far we have three types of isolation centres; we have one isolation centre which is in a hotel where we keep those whose samples have been taken and they are awaiting results. They remain in the hotel in individual rooms and when they are found negative they move to their homes, but when they are found to be positive we take them to the next level of isolation centre, “he said.

Kano State government on Sunday acknowledged recent deaths in Kano, assuring that it is on top of the situation as Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has already directed the Ministry of Health to conduct a thorough investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the deaths.

In a statement made available to journalists in Kano, the Commissioner of Information, Malam Muhammad Garba, said although investigation into the cause of the deaths is still ongoing, preliminary report from the state Ministry of Health indicated that the deaths were not connected to the COVID-19 pandemic.

He added that reports from the state Ministry of Health showed that most of the deaths were caused by complications arising from hypertension, diabetes, meningitis and acute malaria.

He further stated that Governor Ganduje was earnestly waiting for the final report from the Ministry of Health for necessary action.

According to him, the governor from the onset, demonstrated the zeal and political will to curb the spread of the COVID-19 in the state.

“Governor Ganduje’s administration has been commended from within and outside the state over the proactive measures it took towards curbing the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This explains why Kano, apart from being the most populous state, did not record any case of the pandemic until lately.

Though we agree that the situation on hand is serious, we are not resting on our oars in taking appropriate measures to ensure that the good people of Kano State, and indeed, residents in the state protect themselves from the novel COVID-19 pandemic,” he stated.

He noted that, “the state government is concerned over what is happening. The Ministry of Health is already handling the situation. When they are through with the medical investigation, further necessary actions will be taken.

“I urge the good people of Kano State not to panic. Government is on top of the situation. The mystery or whatever it is will soon be unravelled,” the statement said.

Report of the Eight Twitter Chat with Saudatu Mahdi, Secretary General, Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA)

In continuation of its enlightenment programs against the fight of the novel Coronavirus, the Centre for Information Technology and Development has today 23rd of April, 2020 held another series of its twitter chat with Saudatu Mahdi, Secretary General of Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative on Tackling Domestic Violence in the Context of Lockdown. The choice of the topic is necessary looking at how the number of domestic violence is raising on daily basic. CITAD believes that discussing this topic at this critical time when everyone is at home which may likely make the number of domestic violence to grow will help significantly in reducing and finding solution to it.

Malam Saudatu Mahdi who has decades of experience and working in the area of women’s rights took time to explain to the audience at the twitter chat what domestic violence is, who can be a victim, what prompted it and offered many solutions during the chat. Explaining who are the most targeted in domestic violence, Malam Saudatu said mostly the victims are “female spouses, children, wives, house help (male or female). And the perpetrators can be male or female BUT most times it is the male” When asked about the  proper solutions to the menace the guest advised that the victims should be encouraged to be speaking up about their experiences, reporting to trusted family members, police and NGOs.

The guest took time to explain the topic of discussion and responded to most of the questions asked by the participants.

Discussions:

@ICTAdvocate: Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, we are glad you are all joining us for today’s discussion on “domestic violence in the context of lockdown”. We are joined by an acclaimed development expert, researcher and women’s right advocate, Haj. Saudatu Mahdi (@SaudatuMahdi) @YZYau

  1. While the ‘stay-at-home’ order serves to protect families from the disease, it has the tendency to worsen sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) against women and girls. @SaudatuMahdi @YZYau @kamalkano @a_sabo12 @isahcitad @Ashshaza1

#StaySafeNigeria

#StayAtHome

#COVID19

  1. Experience from other countries, like China, shows a corresponding rise in the number of women reporting increased incidences of domestic violence @SaudatuMahdi @YZYau @a_sabo12 @nissimase @Mairo_Ado @HariraWakili @MaryamH2382

#StaySafeNigeria

#StayAtHome

  1. Tensions arising from the economic impact of the lockdown such as reduced income and financial difficulties

are contributing to this surge. @SaudatuMahdi @YZYau @NDI @NDIWomen @womenintech @Mairo_Ado @HariraWakili @isahcitad @kamalkano @kblawanty

#StaySafeNigeria

#StayAtHome

  1. Nigeria is currently working to contain the spread of the Coronavirus as well as implementing its responses to the impact of total and partial lockdown across the country. @SaudatuMahdi @YZYau @NDI @Mairo_Ado @HariraWakili
  2. In response to the potential risks&challenges of violence against women, Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA), Women’s International League for Peace&Freedom, Women’s Advocates&Research Documentation Centre (WARDC) recommended as follows @SaudatuMahdi
  3. Designate and strengthen Gender Desks and family support units within police departments and other department of governments @SaudatuMahdi @YZYau @nissimase @HariraWakili @Mairo_Ado @NDI @NDIWomen @MssZeeUsman @ZainabNasirAhm1
  4. Ensure that the family support Unit and Gender Desk are provided with effective telephone hotlines that persons with disabilities and vulnerable citizens can report domestic violence or any other gender-based violence and get immediate help @SaudatuMahdi @YZYau @nissimase

#COVID19

There is tendency for worse situation of SGBV there is need for massive awareness campaign online and hotlines to report cases so that organization can come to their rescue.

ladies and gentlemen, as this Twitter Chat on “Domestic Violence in the Context of Lockdown” continues, kindly share your experience of violence against women here, are you the victim, someone you know, etc. Do share your experience here please @SaudatuMahdi @YZYau @nissimase

Haj. Saudatu  Mahdi (@SaudatuMahdi) is the Secretary General of Nigeria’s leading women’s rights advocacy organization, Women Rights Advancement & Protection Alternative (WRAPA) (@WRAPANG). We have some thoughts to share with you before our guest responds to our questions @YZYau

There have been stories of violence against women particularly during this lockdown season,today we create an opportunity for every1 to air their thoughts,we have the Secretary General of Nigeria’s leading women’s rights advocacy org. @WRAPANG, Haj. @SaudatuMahdi with us @YZYau

Experience sharing is way to address problems, feel free to share your thoughts on violence against women during this lockdown season, you can equally send a message and we will treat your identity as confidential @SaudatuMahdi @YZYau @Mairo_Ado @NDIWomen @zahrayzy @Rahma_sadau

Good afternoon every one. I hope we are all keeping safe@ICTAdvocates

Good afternoon Ma, thank you for the good work you have been doing. @YZYau @isahcitad @nissimase

The reasons for the rise of domestic violence in the lockdown are consequent on economic and psychological tensions.@ICTAdvocates

Ma, how can one deals with domestic violence amidst total lockdown?

@ICTAdvocatesDealing with DV in this lockdown relates to improving the quality and frequency of communication within the family. It also takes being humane to each other and responsibilities/tasks sharing  @ICTAdvocates

This is very important, are there stakeholders that you think should specifically hear this? @SaudatuMahdi

Ma, some feel ashamed to speak to others about this issue as you stated earlier, so apart from communication, what other measures do u think one can take to prevent himself/herself from DV?

Other methods may include professional counseling for both parties. You also could use peer learning by sharing with a good friend or sister. Silent actions may include changing routines and spending less or more time with each other @ICTAdvocates

Well before the pandemic the statistics and reportage show very high incidence profiles of domestic violence. @ICTAdvocates

Women are stressed by the increase in managing the family tensions and chores. Social expectations don’t support male help in domestic responsibilities @ICTAdvocates

In short managing the family space is what NGOs and Government initiatives need to focus on as a priority after the palliatives.@ICTAdvocates

The result is severe emotional drain on women who also  access little or no form of support from government or NGOs. For many the struggle is balancing time, rest and resources in the crises. @ICTAdvocates

Though you partly responded to this question but we would like to still ask: having been studying domestic violence for years, what do you think is the major cause of the domestic violence @SaudatuMahdi? @YZYau @JibrinIbrahim17 @nissimase @sagiru_ado @ChiromaHope @hamzaish

Domestic violence is mainly an issue of power dynamics between men and women or indeed between the weak and the strong @ICTAdvocates

Is there a way to ensure that one does not suffer or maltreated? Recognizing that this narrative has been there for long?

Being maltreated is not the decision of the victim. What is however good is for the victim to be on the alert to recognise the red flags for ill treatment and avoid or mitigate them by speaking out and seeking help. @ICTAdvocates

How disturbing is violence against women this lockdown season @SaudatuMahdi? @YZYau @GlobalFundWomen

Looking at how domestic violence was before the lockdown and the inability of the security and appropriate authorities to deal with issue, so how can we deal with it now when we almost don’t have anyone to report to, Ma?

There are still avenues to report. NGOs and Government organizations have increased call numbers to receive reports. Social media platforms are also there.  The media is also helping in giving voice for WRAPA and others to raise awareness.@ICTAdvocates

Hello, @SaudatuMahd. My is a question Pls. In Nigeria even before the lockdown, a large number of women reported their abuse to family and friends while not many decided to go to the police to file a report why? and what are the way forward? Thanks @ICTAdvocates

Haj. @SaudatuMahdi, can you give us a picture of domestic violence in Nigeria since the lockdown commenced in many states couple of weeks ago? @YZYau @nissimase @mukhtars_s

DV is on the increase. This is drawn from reportage by women directly to WRAPA and other gender and human rights organizations. The National Human Rights Commission report also affirmed also affirmed it.

@ICTAdvocates

Haj. @SaudatuMahdi, @mukhtars_s is saying: in Nigeria even before the lockdown, a large number of women reported their abuse to family and friends while not many decided to go to the police to file a report why? and what are the way forward? @YZYau @sagiru_ado @nissimase

The issue has been one of gradual change. There is a difference. In the last 20 years many victims or survivors would not report for fear of stigmatization. In communities with a culture of silence it has taken time to increase confidence to report@ICTAdvocates

Domestic Violence in the context of COVID 19 is a reality for so many reasons

@ICTAdvocates

Who are the major victims of domestic violence-women, children, men, who specifically @SaudatuMahdi? @YZYau @ChiromaHope @a_sabo12

#StaySafeNigeria

#StayHome

#StaySafe

@ICTAdvocatesDealing with DV in this lockdown relates to improving the quality and frequency of communication within the family. It also takes being humane to each other and responsibilities/tasks sharing  @ICTAdvocates

This is very important, are there stakeholders that you think should specifically hear this? @SaudatuMahdi

Ma, some feel ashame to speak to others about this issue as you stated earlier, so apart from communication, what other measures do u think one can take to prevent himself/herself from DV?

Other methods may include professional counseling for both parties. You also could use peer learning by sharing with a good friend or sister. Silent actions may include changing routines and spending less or more time with each other @ICTAdvocates

There are also risks of the double jeopardy for women suffering DV in the lockdown to speak up. Many lack communication gadgets and facilities to get help or access services or resources.@ICTAdvocates

DV is on the increase. This is drawn from reportage by women directly to WRAPA and other gender and human rights organizations. The National Human Rights Commission report also affirmed also affirmed it.

@ICTAdvocates

This is very important, are there stakeholders that you think should specifically hear this? @SaudatuMahdi

In domestic settings the weak are usually the female spouse, the children, the wife or the house help (male or female). The perpetrators can be male or female BUT most times it is the male @ICTAdvocates

Domestic violence is mainly an issue of power dynamics between men and women or indeed between the weak and the strong @ICTAdvocates

Is there a way to ensure that one does not suffer or maltreated? Recognizing that this narrative has been there for long?

Being maltreated is not the decision of the victim. What is however good is for the victim to be on the alert to recognise the red flags for ill treatment and avoid or mitigate them by speaking out and seeking help. @ICTAdvocates

Looking at how domestic violence was before the lockdown and the inability of the security and appropriate authorities to deal with issue, so how can we deal with it now when we almost don’t have anyone to report to, Ma?

There are still avenues to report. NGOs and Government organizations have increased call numbers to receive reports. Social media platforms are also there.  The media is also helping in giving voice for WRAPA and others to raise awareness.@ICTAdvocates

Can domestic violence ever be tackled? How, using what approach and what stakeholders are supposed to be involved @SaudatuMahdi? @YZYau @nissimase @NDIWomen @BBOG_Nigeria @AishaYesufu @aishatslim @eneobe @naijama @thesheetng @Jack_Vince77 @ojenny42 @Jennychisomblog @thebashirat

Key stakeholders are first the victim herself. Others are government and non-governmental service and support organizations. They are called first line response organizations, which include police, social welfare offices, hospitals, NGOs, CBOs & Community leader @ICTAdvocates

Other methods may include professional counseling for both parties. You also could use peer learning by sharing with a good friend or sister. Silent actions may include changing routines and spending less or more time with each other @ICTAdvocates

Reasons include abuse of the family leadership vested in men or those who are economically well. There is always a vulnerability that places one above the other. Is it the mother in-law targeting her son’s wife or the family head who relegates feeding the family?  @ICTAdvocates

It may well be the husband who transfers his frustrations from work or business to the innocent family members. @ICTAdvocates

There are still avenues to report. NGOs and Government organizations have increased call numbers to receive reports. Social media platforms are also there.  The media is also helping in giving voice for WRAPA and others to raise awareness.@ICTAdvocates

Is there a way to ensure that one does not suffer or maltreated? Recognizing that this narrative has been there for long?

Being maltreated is not the decision of the victim. What is however good is for the victim to be on the alert to recognise the red flags for ill treatment and avoid or mitigate them by speaking out and seeking help. @ICTAdvocates

Hajiya @SaudatuMahdi, we would like to take your general recommendations on ending/preventing violence against women particularly during this lockdown season @YZYau @ChiromaHope @a_sabo12 @ubiolanma

Overall, the need for better coordination in service provision, reportage of the incidences, and most importantly accountability/penalties for DV. Implementing legal protections, diligent prosecution, good evidence gathering and the right attitude towards victims @ICTAdvocates

We are also grateful to everyone for finding the time to participate in the chat. #StaySafe #StaySafeNigeria #StayAtHome @YZYau @isahcitad @nissimase @mukhtars_s @sagiru_ado @a_sabo12 @ChiromaHope

Gender advocates WRAPA, FIDA, WACOL,WARDC, PROJECT Alert, GAT etc and the National Human Rights Commission are working with members of the NASS for the passage of the Gender Equal Opportunity Bill. @ICTAdvocates

Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA) @WRAPANG, Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom & Women’s Advocates & Research Documentation Centre (WARDC) have issued a policy advisory on prevention and ending gender-based violence @SaudatuMahdi @YZYau

Yes there has been progress. The Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act 2015 is in force. Nearly 15 Sates have passed it as it is or in modified versions. Other Sates are modifying the Penal Code to fill the gaps in gender specific provisions @ICTAdvocates

On behalf of our Executive Director, Engr. @YZYau and the entire @ICTAdvocates staff, friends&associates, we would like to immensely thank Hajiya @SaudatuMahdi, Secretary General of Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (@WRAPANG) for speaking in our today’s chat

Thank you to the CITAD Team and all participants for the opportunity to share with Nigerians who are truly concerned about the need to address Gender Based Violence @ICTAdvocates

In all it is the implementation pace and provision that will ensure these laws protect DV, SGBV victims. The need to finance the implementation to create documentation & referral systems, build and maintain shelters for urgent support & specialized training @ICTAdvocates

 

Press Statement on the Need for the Federal Government to Take Over the Activities of Covid-19 in Kano State (X)

27 April, 2020

Of recent, the number of people dying in Kano State is alarming and at the same time frightening. Since the beginning of last week, reports were coming from different angles especially in the inner-city areas of the state about the raising number of deaths in the state. This unusual deaths have brought fear among the residents and confusion regarding the cause of the deaths which made many powerful voices, activists, organizations to called the attention of the state government about the tragic situation the state found itself. Many people were suspecting that the deceased died due to the current corona virus pandemics while some believe that it is just a normal diseases or lack of assessing health care facilities due to the lockdown order imposed in the state. In the part of the state government, at first it denied all the reports regarding the deaths in the state which showed lack of competency from those handling the situation in the state.

However, as the situation continue to worsen in the state, the state government was forced to acknowledge the raising number of the deaths. In a statement released by the state government it attributed the cause of the deaths to malaria, typhoid, hypertension, meningitis, diabetes etc. while many health experts within and outside the state believe that the deaths can be as result of the covid-19. Whatever the case, the fact that the deceased were not being tested no one could ascertain the real cause of their deaths.

The matter of concern in the state presently is how the only testing center at Malam Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital has being closed for almost a week now. For six days now the center is ineffective and people are not being tested, this has resulted for people even if they have contracted the virus to be at their own mercy. Many of victims of virus due to the inability of the center to return to work resort to treating themselves with any medicine they can find. Secondly, the inability and lack of coordination in the State Task Force Committee on Covid-19 to handle the situation properly has led the issue to escalate further. This will not be unrelated with the many of the committee members being tested positive to virus and the inability of the state government to reconstitute the committee. Thirdly, Kano state people have been neglected by the federal government; where Lagos state has 23 centers, Kano state with more than 20 million people has only 1 center which is currently ineffective.

Looking at the above concerns, we are appealing to the Federal government as matter of urgency and to save the lives of Kano state residents to:

  1. Take over all corona virus activities in Kano state immediately
  2. Constitute a vibrant committee to investigate the cause of the recent raise of deaths in the state
  3. The committee should as a matter of urgency suing to action immediately and conclude its investigation within the shortest period of time
  4. All investigation regarding this matter should be made available to the public

 

Ali Sabo

Campaigns and Communication Officer  

Press Statement on the Recent Events In Kano State By the Centre for Information Technology and Development (VIIII)

In continuation of the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) efforts to ensure it provides the general public with necessary and useful information on Coronavirus, advising government on the proper ways to handle the pandemic in the state and ways people need to follow to protect themselves from the virus, yesterday the CITAD looked at the situation in the state, especially with the regard to movement of people and the lack of activities at the only testing center in the state.

Our findings revealed that still in many places people were not respecting the order given by the state government to stay at home. It could be remembered, that the state government has renewed the lockdown order it imposed in the state on the 17th of April, 2020 after temporarily suspending the order for 16 hours on the 23rd of April, 2020. Our observers have reported that some markets in local areas were partially operating as against the order given by the state government. As at the same time of this report, movement of people in some parts of the state is still ongoing due to absent of security personnel in many areas.

Also the alleged video that is in circulation since last week in the state were some people who claimed to be covid19 patients in the isolation center denying the existence of the virus had really casted doubt in the minds of many people in the state. This requires urgent action from the state government which includes sensitization to do a damage control.

Moreover, the recent issue that dominated the public space this week is the issue of the lack of activities at the only testing center at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital. This issue has generated a lot of confusion among the state residents and create mistrust between the people and the state government. Many narratives were attached to the closure of the center. Some people were saying the center was closed due to the misunderstanding between the state government, Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) and people managing the center. While others were saying it was due to the inadequacy of the testing material at the center. Our investigation found out that the center was actually closed due to routine fumigation, which by the NCDC standards, all testing centers have to be fumigated after a certain number of tests or number of days. This is a precautionary procedure to dispel the possibility of accumulation of the virus in the testing environment.

CITAD as a concerned stakeholder in this fight is calling on the Kano State Government, People of Kano State and Management of the Testing Center in the state to:

  1. The state government to provide more security personnel including vigilante group to ensure the enforcement of the order
  2. The state government to ensure the closure of all markets in the state with expectation of food markets and other essentials items
  3. The general public to continue adhering to the advices given by health professionals and continue to respect constituted authorities
  4. The people in charge of the Testing Center at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital to come out and give official explanation on why the center is closed
  5. The State Government should as a matter of urgency established more testing centres as well as recruitment more qualified, knowledge and experience personnel to manage cases at the isolation centre. Our findings indicate that many of the people recruited and posted there have no experience or training in the management of infectious diseases such COVID and therefore not only a danger to themselves abut also likely to further be another chain for the spread of the virus in the state.
  6. The state government quickly address the issues the recent rise in the number of deaths in the state by providing explanation to the public what it has done on the matter, what it has discovered and what follow up steps it has taken to assure citizens that government cares about the lifes of the citizens
  7. The state government to create a platform where citizens will be enlightened on the covid19 and daily update of the situation in the state
  8. The state government to ensure the payment of workers’ salaries and pensioners entitlements

 

Ali Sabo

Campaigns and Communication Officer

Report of CITAD Seventh Twitter Chat With Prof. Jibrin Ibrahim on Assessing FG’S Palliative Measures and their Implementation

Following the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic in Wuhan, China, many people were killed and various countries of the world were threatened. On 27th February, 2020 first index case of Covid-19 was reported in Nigeria, following entry of an Italian man into the country from Italy. Some months after, many cases were reported especially in Lagos, Abuja, the capital city and later on across the country. This has informed several political, economic, Social and corporate actions including the locking down of some states and radical modification of the political-economy of the country to reflect the new realities.

Various intervention funds were pronounced by the Federal and States governments to fight the pandemic and reduce its effects on citizens. Also, corporate organizations and individuals have donated generously to the cause of fighting the pandemic and assisting states to provide medical response to the Virus. It was reported that over 40 billion Naira was donated. This excludes other non-monetary donations such as food items, building isolation centers and others, and the stimulus promised by the Central bank of Nigeria for corporate organizations. Unfortunately, much of the palliative packages have not reached majority of those for whom they were intended. In view of this, the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) on 21st April, 2020 organized a twitter chat with Prof. Jibrin Ibrahim, Senior Fellow at the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD West Africa) as a discussant to assess and discuss on FG’s palliative measures and their implementation

Prof. Jibrin Ibrahim started the discussion by saying that Palliative measures are very necessary as physical distancing rules have led to confinement of people in their houses. Most poor Nigerians however depend on informal jobs which requires them to go out daily to fetch what they will feed their families. If they are to stay at home, Government has to feed them. This generates lot of questions from the people, below are tweets and responses from the guest: @YZYau welcome the indefatigable scholar and pundit, our discussant for today’s chat Prof. @jibrinibrahim17 to the discussion on FG’s palliative measures and their implementation@a_sabo

Thank you very much for joining us Prof. @JibrinIbrahim17 do you have any more fear or concern recognizing the fact that number of the confirmed cases of #COVID19 in Nigeria keeps rising, which means the lockdown may be elongated.

Response

Yes community infection is growing and case load rising so the temptation is to extend lockdown. That may not work. We need to increase testing. Ghano – 68,000, South Africa – 100,000, Nigeria less than 10,000 – too low. Increased testing means you lockdown where you need to only.

This means we can be more intelligent and have lockdowns only in spaces where the testing has shown growth of the disease. Other areas therefore can be allowed to resume normal life so people can earn money to feed families.

Prof. @JibrinIbrahim17, how do see the formation of the Nigerian government’s palliative measures, how realistic are they in terms of providing real succor to the common man?

Response

Palliative measures are very necessary as physical distancing rules have led to restriction of people in their houses. Most poor Nigerians however depend on going our each day to work and feed families on the basis daily income. If they are to stay at home, Govt has to feed them.

Nigeria ranks 158st of 189 countries in the (2018) Human Development Index (HDI). For the past decade, about 42.8 percent of Nigeria’s population lives in extreme poverty. This means palliative measures must reach at least 90 million Nigerians. This is difficult.

Nigeria’s palliative measures are based on 2.6 million households containing a total of 11,045,537 people on the national social register. This means that only about 15% of the poorest are on the register so many will be excluded.

Question:

Does that mean a whole lot of Nigerians will not be touched by palliative measures? Probably more than 15% on the register?

Response

Nigerian ruling class should be careful in their own interest. If the poor do not get palliatives, they will react and it will not be pretty. Social revolt is a real possibility because the lockdown without palliatives presents 2 options – HUNGER or REVOLT

Response

This revolt you re talking about, I think will never happen because Nigerian ruling class to maintain their own interest, they employ social institution as weapons against poor Nigerians.

And they can always tactically deploy narratives hinged on religion and ethnicity to divide and conquer d people. U no they don’t often tell us how they intend to fix d issues in clear terms bt how a certain tribe should not be voted or trusted.

Yes, they organised our religion to provides a similar function to convince us based on fictional divine sanction.

Question: many countries of the world have started thinking of economic recovery after COVID-19, is Nigeria doing anything in that regard?

Response

Our economic crisis predated the #COVIDー19 crisis but now we are really down requiring that we no longer waste precious resources on the self-aggrandizement of the ruling class. We need an emergency economic recovery plan now.

Question

Sir, the self-aggrandizement of our ruling class has always been our major economic problem, IMHO. Apart from the run of mill corruption which occurs on a daily basis, the approved salaries, allowances, perks and fringe benefits are obscenely indefensible.

Response

Why must every top government functionary have to use a Land cruiser? Or why do so many parastatals pay salaries and allowances far beyond what the private sector pays? If all these were adjusted to a level which is commensurate to our national purse, what is saved could be

Question:

Prof. @JibrinIbrahim17, do you have any more fear or concern recognizing the fact that number of the confirmed cases of #COVID19 in Nigeria keeps rising, which means the lockdown may be elongated.

Response

Yes community infection is growing and case load rising so the temptation is to extend lockdown. That may not work. We need to increase testing. Ghano – 68,000, South Africa – 100,000, Nigeria less than 10,000 – too low. Increased testing means you lockdown where you need to only.

This means we can be more intelligent and have lockdowns only in spaces where the testing has shown growth of the disease. Other areas therefore can be allowed to resume normal life so people can earn money to feed families.

YZ: As we are rounding up in the next two or so minutes, can we give Prof @JibrinIbrahim17a twitter clap for an engaging session, providing us with an analysis that is nuanced in data. We thank you for taking the time to honour our invitation.

Ali Sabo: Thank you so much prof for the time and enlightening messages you shared with us.

Prof. Jibril: It has been a pleasure engaging in this chat, I hope your audience found it useful. Bye

CITAD: It’s obvious your insights have been useful, though the chat has been officially over in the last 20 mins, debate and engagement with your thoughts is still ongoing. Thank you immensely Prof. @JibrinIbrahim17 for your time  we all enjoyed it.

CITAD Question:

Supposing Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development @Sadiya_farouqrequests for your advice on adjusting the implementation of the palliative measures to better serve Nigerians, what will your advice be?

Response:

Nill

Prof. Jibril:

Palliative measures are very necessary as physical distancing rules have led to restriction of people in their houses. Most poor Nigerians however depend on going our each day to work and feed families on the basis daily income. If they are to stay at home, Govt has to feed them.

Nigeria ranks 158st of 189 countries in the (2018) Human Development Index (HDI). For the past decade, about 42.8 percent of Nigeria’s population lives in extreme poverty. This means palliative measures must reach at least 90 million Nigerians. This is difficult.

Nigeria’s palliative measures are based on 2.6 million households containing a total of 11,045,537 people on the national social register. This means that only about 15% of the most poor are on the register so many will be excluded.

Does that mean a whole lot of Nigerians will not be touched by palliative measures? Probably more than 15% on the register?

Nigerian ruling class should be careful in their own interest. If the poor do not get palliatives, they will react and it will not be pretty. Social revolt is a real possibility because the lockdown without palliatives presents 2 options – HUNGER or REVOLT

Question:

In this regard (Revolt), how can we engage the elite in the society to understand the danger they are in?

Response:

This is the time for the political class to think enlightened self interest. Their survival, our survival will depend on improving governance and stamping out corruption. The impact of #COVID-19 on poverty and dignity is massive, public trust must be regained for peace.

With the complete collapse of petroleum prices, the days of politicians sharing the revenue are gone. They must engage the people to work, to produce, to pay tax – which means you can no longer steal the Nation’s resources and keep the peace.

Question:

I am really happy you have touched this aspect of the economy; looking at how Nigeria depends solely on petroleum to finance more than 50% of its budget, what do you think the future will look like when this issue continue deteriorating, prof?

Response:

The economic message is simple. The days of the rentier economy sharing petroleum largesse is over. We will henceforth have to depend on what we produce. This will require a different type of politics based on how to produce not share rent.

Questions:

Prof, as there are no encouraging signs of winning this war soon, what do you think will happen to people that depend on salary to survive; can govt, companies and even Development Partners continue paying people while they are sitting at home; what are the realities?

How do see the formation of the Nigerian government’s palliative measures, how realistic are they in terms of providing real succor to the common man?

Response:

This is the time for the political class to think enlightened self-interest. Their survival, our survival will depend on improving governance and stamping out corruption. The impact of #COVID-19 on poverty and dignity is massive, public trust must be regained for peace With the complete collapse of petroleum prices, the days of politicians sharing the revenue are gone. They must engage the people to work, to produce, to pay tax – which means you can no longer steal the Nation’s resources and keep the peace.

Nigerians have no trust on their ruling class because they know them to be selfish, self-serving and thieves. The challenge is to start planning how we can get a new group that would respect public trust and see their role as using public resources to promote the public good.

This means we can be more intelligent and have lockdowns only in spaces where the testing has shown growth of the disease. Other areas therefore can be allowed to resume normal life so people can earn money to feed families.

This means we can be more intelligent and have lockdowns only in spaces where the testing has shown growth of the disease. Other areas therefore can be allowed to resume normal life so people can earn money to feed families.

Prof, there are a lots of criticisms from people that the palliatives is not reaching the right people. What do you think govt will do to address this?

Here in the FCT, the enlistment process of beneficiaries really seem faulty as widows, the aged, orphans aren’t captured. Emphasis was placed on being male & having a wife & children. So, some “vulnerable” persons were tactically excluded.

This means the right methodology was not used in FCT. Communities are supposed to discuss and identify the poorest and most vulnerable households themselves.

Here in Abaji Abuja, wards councillors were d ones who listed beneficiaries through different committees whose members visited households. Due to lack of prior notification & poor methodology, not all households were visited or revisited in cases where nobody was at home.

First of all, Prof. @JibrinIbrahim17 how do see the formation of the Nigerian government’s palliative measures, how realistic are they in terms of providing real succor to the common man?

Palliative measures are very necessary as physical distancing rules have led to restriction of people in their houses. Most poor Nigerians however depend on going our each day to work and feed families on the basis daily income. If they are to stay at home, Govt has to feed them.

Nigerian ruling class should be careful in their own interest. If the poor do not get palliatives, they will react and it will not be pretty. Social revolt is a real possibility because the lockdown without palliatives presents 2 options – HUNGER or REVOLT Prof, there are a lots of criticisms from people that the palliatives is not reaching the right people. What do you think govt will do to address this?

Here in the FCT, the enlistment process of beneficiaries really seem faulty as widows, the aged, orphans aren’t captured. Emphasis was placed on being male & having a wife & children. So, some “vulnerable” persons were tactically excluded.

CITAD Retweeted

This means the right methodology was not used in FCT. Communities are supposed to discuss and identify the poorest and most vulnerable households themselves.

2:49 PM · Apr 21, 2020·Twitter Web App

Here in Abaji Abuja, wards councillors were d ones who listed beneficiaries through different committees whose members visited households. Due to lack of prior notification & poor methodology, not all households were visited or revisited in cases where nobody was at home.

Nigeria’s palliative measures are based on 2.6 million households containing a total of 11,045,537 people on the national social register. This means that only about 15% of the most poor are on the register so many will be excluded.

Apr 21

Does that mean a whole lot of Nigerians will not be touched by palliative measures? Probably more than 15% on the register?

Nigerian ruling class should be careful in their own interest. If the poor do not get palliatives, they will react and it will not be pretty. Social revolt is a real possibility because the lockdown without palliatives presents 2 options – HUNGER or REVOLT

Apr 21

In this regard (Revolt), how can we engage the elite in the society to understand the danger they are in?

Apr 21

This is the time for the political class to think enlightened self interest. Their survival, our survival will depend on improving governance and stamping out corruption. The impact of #COVID-19 on poverty and dignity is massive, public trust must be regained for peace

Apr 21

With the complete collapse of petroleum prices, the days of politicians sharing the revenue are gone. They must engage the people to work, to produce, to pay tax – which means you can no longer steal the Nation’s resources and keep the peace.

Replying to I am really happy you have touched this aspect of the economy; looking at how Nigeria depends solely on petroleum to finance more than 50% of its budget, what do you think the future will look like when this issue continue deteriorating, prof?

2:49 PM · Apr 21, 2020·Twitter for Android

The economic message is simple. The days of the rentier economy sharing petroleum largesse is over. We will henceforth have to depend on what we produce. This will require a different type of politics based on how to produce not share rent.

Apr 21

Prof, as there are no encouraging signs of winning this war soon, what do you think will happen to people that depend on salary to survive; can govt, companies and even Development Partners continue paying people while they are sitting at home; what are the realities?

First of all, Prof. @JibrinIbrahim17 how do see the formation of the Nigerian government’s palliative measures, how realistic are they in terms of providing real succor to the common man?

Palliative measures are very necessary as physical distancing rules have led to restriction of people in their houses. Most poor Nigerians however depend on going our each day to work and feed families on the basis daily income. If they are to stay at home, Govt has to feed them.

Apr 21

Nigeria ranks 158st of 189 countries in the (2018) Human Development Index (HDI). For the past decade, about 42.8 percent of Nigeria’s population lives in extreme poverty. This means palliative measures must reach at least 90 million Nigerians. This is difficult.

Apr 21

Nigeria’s palliative measures are based on 2.6 million households containing a total of 11,045,537 people on the national social register. This means that only about 15% of the most poor are on the register so many will be excluded.

Apr 21

Does that mean a whole lot of Nigerians will not be touched by palliative measures? Probably more than 15% on the register?

Nigerian ruling class should be careful in their own interest. If the poor do not get palliatives, they will react and it will not be pretty. Social revolt is a real possibility because the lockdown without palliatives presents 2 options – HUNGER or REVOLT

Apr 21

Prof, there are a lots of criticisms from people that the palliatives is not reaching the right people. What do you think govt will do to address this?

Replying to

My response was that palliatives are being diverted and in any case are not enough which means we are in crisis as hunger is growing within the poor who are also getting angry. Let’s all warn our leaders to take the matter seriously.

2:46 PM · Apr 21, 2020·Twitter Web App

@JibrinIbrahim17

how do see the formation of the Nigerian government’s palliative measures, how realistic are they in terms of providing real succor to the common man?

Apr 21

Palliative measures are very necessary as physical distancing rules have led to restriction of people in their houses. Most poor Nigerians however depend on going our each day to work and feed families on the basis daily income. If they are to stay at home, Govt has to feed them.

Nigeria ranks 158st of 189 countries in the (2018) Human Development Index (HDI). For the past decade, about 42.8 percent of Nigeria’s population lives in extreme poverty. This means palliative measures must reach at least 90 million Nigerians. This is difficult.

Apr 21

Nigeria’s palliative measures are based on 2.6 million households containing a total of 11,045,537 people on the national social register. This means that only about 15% of the most poor are on the register so many will be excluded.

Does that mean a whole lot of Nigerians will not be touched by palliative measures? Probably more than 15% on the register?

Nigerian ruling class should be careful in their own interest. If the poor do not get palliatives, they will react and it will not be pretty. Social revolt is a real possibility because the lockdown without palliatives presents 2 options – HUNGER or REVOLT

In this regard (Revolt), how can we engage the elite in the society to understand the danger they are in?

This is the time for the political class to think enlightened self interest. Their survival, our survival will depend on improving governance and stamping out corruption. The impact of #COVID-19 on poverty and dignity is massive, public trust must be regained for peace

With the complete collapse of petroleum prices, the days of politicians sharing the revenue are gone. They must engage the people to work, to produce, to pay tax – which means you can no longer steal the Nation’s resources and keep the peace.

@JibrinIbrahim17

how do see the formation of the Nigerian government’s palliative measures, how realistic are they in terms of providing real succor to the common man?

Palliative measures are very necessary as physical distancing rules have led to restriction of people in their houses. Most poor Nigerians however depend on going our each day to work and feed families on the basis daily income. If they are to stay at home, Govt has to feed them.

Nigeria ranks 158st of 189 countries in the (2018) Human Development Index (HDI). For the past decade, about 42.8 percent of Nigeria’s population lives in extreme poverty. This means palliative measures must reach at least 90 million Nigerians. This is difficult.

Prof. is this only difficult or not achievable weighing the approach of the government’s palliative measures implementation that has so far generated lots of complaints from numerous Nigerians?

how do see the formation of the Nigerian government’s palliative measures, how realistic are they in terms of providing real succor to the common man?

Palliative measures are very necessary as physical distancing rules have led to restriction of people in their houses. Most poor Nigerians however depend on going our each day to work and feed families on the basis daily income. If they are to stay at home, Govt has to feed them.

Nigeria ranks 158st of 189 countries in the (2018) Human Development Index (HDI). For the past decade, about 42.8 percent of Nigeria’s population lives in extreme poverty. This means palliative measures must reach at least 90 million Nigerians. This is difficult.

Nigeria’s palliative measures are based on 2.6 million households containing a total of 11,045,537 people on the national social register. This means that only about 15% of the most poor are on the register so many will be excluded.

Apr 21

Does that mean a whole lot of Nigerians will not be touched by palliative measures? Probably more than 15% on the register?

Nigerian ruling class should be careful in their own interest. If the poor do not get palliatives, they will react and it will not be pretty. Social revolt is a real possibility because the lockdown without palliatives presents 2 options – HUNGER or REVOLT

In this regard (Revolt), how can we engage the elite in the society to understand the danger they are in?

This is the time for the political class to think enlightened self interest. Their survival, our survival will depend on improving governance and stamping out corruption. The impact of #COVID-19 on poverty and dignity is massive, public trust must be regained for peace

2:40 PM · Apr 21, 2020·Twitter Web App

With the complete collapse of petroleum prices, the days of politicians sharing the revenue are gone. They must engage the people to work, to produce, to pay tax – which means you can no longer steal the Nation’s resources and keep the peace.

I am really happy you have touched this aspect of the economy; looking at how Nigeria depends solely on petroleum to finance more than 50% of its budget, what do you think the future will look like when this issue continue deteriorating, prof?

The economic message is simple. The days of the renter economy sharing petroleum largesse is over. We will henceforth have to depend on what we produce. This will require a different type of politics based on how to produce not share rent

Prof, as there are no encouraging signs of winning this war soon, what do you think will happen to people that depend on salary to survive; can govt, companies and even Development Partners continue paying people while they are sitting at home; what are the realities?

how do see the formation of the Nigerian government’s palliative measures, how realistic are they in terms of providing real succor to the common man?

Palliative measures are very necessary as physical distancing rules have led to restriction of people in their houses. Most poor Nigerians however depend on going our each day to work and feed families on the basis daily income. If they are to stay at home, Govt has to feed them.

Nigeria ranks 158st of 189 countries in the (2018) Human Development Index (HDI). For the past decade, about 42.8 percent of Nigeria’s population lives in extreme poverty. This means palliative measures must reach at least 90 million Nigerians. This is difficult.

Nigeria’s palliative measures are based on 2.6 million households containing a total of 11,045,537 people on the national social register. This means that only about 15% of the most poor are on the register so many will be excluded.

Does that mean a whole lot of Nigerians will not be touched by palliative measures? Probably more than 15% on the register?

Nigerian ruling class should be careful in their own interest. If the poor do not get palliatives, they will react and it will not be pretty. Social revolt is a real possibility because the lockdown without palliatives presents 2 options – HUNGER or REVOLT

Prof, there are a lots of criticisms from people that the palliatives is not reaching the right people. What do you think govt will do to address this?

Here in the FCT, the enlistment process of beneficiaries really seem faulty as widows, the aged, orphans aren’t captured. Emphasis was placed on being male & having a wife & children. So, some “vulnerable” persons were tactically excluded.

2:33 PM · Apr 21, 2020·Twitter Web App

This means the right methodology was not used in FCT. Communities are supposed to discuss and identify the poorest and most vulnerable households themselves.

Here in Abaji Abuja, wards Councillors were d ones who listed beneficiaries through different committees whose members visited households. Due to lack of prior notification & poor methodology, not all households were visited or revisited in cases where nobody was at home.

how do see the formation of the Nigerian government’s palliative measures, how realistic are they in terms of providing real succor to the common man?

Palliative measures are very necessary as physical distancing rules have led to restriction of people in their houses. Most poor Nigerians however depend on going our each day to work and feed families on the basis daily income. If they are to stay at home, Govt has to feed them.

Nigeria ranks 158st of 189 countries in the (2018) Human Development Index (HDI). For the past decade, about 42.8 percent of Nigeria’s population lives in extreme poverty. This means palliative measures must reach at least 90 million Nigerians. This is difficult.

The problem with palliatives is that those who are hungry today because of lockdown are people engaged in livelihoods not depending on hand-downs, they are angry today because they can’t go out and earn a living and no handouts. Their dignity is in question so #ANGER is rising

is saying: here in the FCT,the enlistment process of beneficiaries really seem faulty as widows,the aged, orphans aren’t captured.Emphasis was placed on being male&having a wife & children. So, some “vulnerable” persons were tactically excluded

how do citizens ensure that the state governments are using the register? Is copy of the register publicly available for citizens to download/print and compare with what they see in their communities?

Indeed a question because it raises the issue of accountability and transparency.

how do see the formation of the Nigerian government’s palliative measures, how realistic are they in terms of providing real succor to the common man?

Palliative measures are very necessary as physical distancing rules have led to restriction of people in their houses. Most poor Nigerians however depend on going our each day to work and feed families on the basis daily income. If they are to stay at home, Govt has to feed them.

Nigeria ranks 158st of 189 countries in the (2018) Human Development Index (HDI). For the past decade, about 42.8 percent of Nigeria’s population lives in extreme poverty. This means palliative measures must reach at least 90 million Nigerians. This is difficult.

Nigeria’s palliative measures are based on 2.6 million households containing a total of 11,045,537 people on the national social register. This means that only about 15% of the most poor are on the register so many will be excluded.

Does that mean a whole lot of Nigerians will not be touched by palliative measures? Probably more than 15% on the register?

Nigerian ruling class should be careful in their own interest. If the poor do not get palliatives, they will react and it will not be pretty. Social revolt is a real possibility because the lockdown without palliatives presents 2 options – HUNGER or REVOLT

Prof, there are a lots of criticisms from people that the palliatives is not reaching the right people. What do you think govt will do to address this?

Government must broaden the distribution system by talking to ward heads who can work with their communities to set up distribution committees that work on the principles of accountability and transparency. Let everyone know what’s available and debate distribution system.

, looking at Nigeria as a whole, and from the onset, do you think the palliative measures have been properly thought of?

The national social register has integrity and was well planned. The challenge is that politicians are bent of changing it. As I stated earlier however, the register does not cover most of the poor urban youth who are not in the register and may revolt, it’s started already

how do see the formation of the Nigerian government’s palliative measures, how realistic are they in terms of providing real succor to the common man?

Palliative measures are very necessary as physical distancing rules have led to restriction of people in their houses. Most poor Nigerians however depend on going our each day to work and feed families on the basis daily income. If they are to stay at home, Govt has to feed them.

Nigeria ranks 158st of 189 countries in the (2018) Human Development Index (HDI). For the past decade, about 42.8 percent of Nigeria’s population lives in extreme poverty. This means palliative measures must reach at least 90 million Nigerians. This is difficult.

Nigeria’s palliative measures are based on 2.6 million households containing a total of 11,045,537 people on the national social register. This means that only about 15% of the most poor are on the register so many will be excluded.

Does that mean a whole lot of Nigerians will not be touched by palliative measures? Probably more than 15% on the register?

Nigerian ruling class should be careful in their own interest. If the poor do not get palliatives, they will react and it will not be pretty. Social revolt is a real possibility because the lockdown without palliatives presents 2 options – HUNGER or REVOLT

Prof, there are a lots of criticisms from people that the palliatives is not reaching the right people. What do you think govt will do to address this?

2:26 PM · Apr 21, 2020·Twitter for Android

Government must broaden the distribution system by talking to ward heads who can work with their communities to set up distribution committees that work on the principles of accountability and transparency. Let everyone know what’s available and debate distribution system.

My response was that palliatives are being diverted and in any case are not enough which means we are in crisis as hunger is growing within the poor who are also getting angry. Let’s all warn our leaders to take the matter seriously.

, is there any constitutional basis for states to wait for Federal government to give them money for palliatives in their states?

how do see the formation of the Nigerian government’s palliative measures, how realistic are they in terms of providing real succor to the common man?

Palliative measures are very necessary as physical distancing rules have led to restriction of people in their houses. Most poor Nigerians however depend on going our each day to work and feed families on the basis daily income. If they are to stay at home, Govt has to feed them.

Nigeria ranks 158st of 189 countries in the (2018) Human Development Index (HDI). For the past decade, about 42.8 percent of Nigeria’s population lives in extreme poverty. This means palliative measures must reach at least 90 million Nigerians. This is difficult.

Nigeria’s palliative measures are based on 2.6 million households containing a total of 11,045,537 people on the national social register. This means that only about 15% of the most poor are on the register so many will be excluded.

Does that mean a whole lot of Nigerians will not be touched by palliative measures? Probably more than 15% on the register?

Nigerian ruling class should be careful in their own interest. If the poor do not get palliatives, they will react and it will not be pretty. Social revolt is a real possibility because the lockdown without palliatives presents 2 options – HUNGER or REVOLT

2:22 PM · Apr 21, 2020·Twitter Web App

In this regard (Revolt), how can we engage the elite in the society to understand the danger they are in?

This is the time for the political class to think enlightened self interest. Their survival, our survival will depend on improving governance and stamping out corruption. The impact of #COVID-19 on poverty and dignity is massive, public trust must be regained for peace

Prof, there are a lots of criticisms from people that the palliatives is not reaching the right people. What do you think govt will do to address this?

Government must broaden the distribution system by talking to ward heads who can work with their communities to set up distribution committees that work on the principles of accountability and transparency. Let everyone know what’s available and debate distribution system.

This revolt you re talking about, I think will never happen because Nigerian ruling class to maintain their own interest, they employ social institution as weapons against poor Nigerians.

, looking at Nigeria as a whole, and from the onset, do you think the palliative measures have been properly thought of?

how do see the formation of the Nigerian government’s palliative measures, how realistic are they in terms of providing real succor to the common man?

Prof. is this only difficult or not achievable weighing the approach of the government’s palliative measures implementation that has so far generated lots of complaints from numerous Nigerians?

how do see the formation of the Nigerian government’s palliative measures, how realistic are they in terms of providing real succor to the common man?

Palliative measures are very necessary as physical distancing rules have led to restriction of people in their houses. Most poor Nigerians however depend on going our each day to work and feed families on the basis daily income. If they are to stay at home, Govt has to feed them.

The President has promised that one million extra households will be added to the register but these additions will likely be through legislators who have insisted they must add the names of their “people”. The risk here would be that of corruption.

Response:

The fact of the matter is that for the past 3 years, politicians have been demanding to “redo” the register to add their “people”. The very poor however have no access to politicians and will likely get removed from the list and be replaced by partisan players who are not poor.

Nigeria ranks 158st of 189 countries in the (2018) Human Development Index (HDI). For the past decade, about 42.8 percent of Nigeria’s population lives in extreme poverty. This means palliative measures must reach at least 90 million Nigerians. This is difficult.

Prof. is this only difficult or not achievable weighing the approach of the government’s palliative measures implementation that has so far generated lots of complaints from numerous Nigerians?

Response:

The problem with palliatives is that those who are hungry today because of lockdown are people engaged in livelihoods not depending on hand-downs, they are angry today because they can’t go out and earn a living and no handouts. Their dignity is in question so #ANGER is rising

Question:

Looking at Nigeria as a whole, and from the onset, do you think the palliative measures have been properly thought of?

Response:

The national social register has integrity and was well planned. The challenge is that politicians are bent of changing it. As I stated earlier however, the register does not cover most of the poor urban youth who are not in the register and may revolt, it’s started already

Ladies and gentlemen good afternoon. We want to on behalf of our Executive Director, Engr. Y.Z: as we are rounding up in the next two or so minutes, can we give Prof @JibrinIbrahim17a twitter clap for an engaging session, providing us with an analysis that is nuanced in data. We thank you for taking the time to honour our invitation.

Ali Sabo: Thank you so much prof for the time and enlightening messages you shared with us.

Prof. Jibrin: It has been a pleasure engaging in this chat, I hope your audience found it useful. Bye

Press Statement on the Need for Kano State Government to Address People Concerns by the Centre for Information Technology and Development (VIII)

Date: 25 April, 2020

On the 24 of April, 2020 Kano State Government temporarily lifted the lockdown order it imposed in the state one week ago. The temporary lifting of the order which was announced by the State Deputy Governor, Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna who is also serving as the Chairman State Task Force Committee on Covid19 in the state allowed residents a partial movement from 6am to 12pm on Thursday to prepare for another long period of time.

This order, like all other directives announced previously by the state government is also ambiguous because many people were left in a state of confusion on where to start as we all know people have many needs and preparation to make looking at the period we are approaching, however, the short time given will be very difficult for the majority of the residents who have been kept in one place for a whole week to accomplish such tasks.

CITAD noticed with concern the way people were trooping in every market in order to buy necessary commodities they will use during Ramadan. This in our view has serious implications to the fight against Covid19, because one of the cardinal preventive measures as advised by health professionals, social distancing was not observed during the temporary lifting of the order which definitely will set the state back against this fight. Secondly, huge number of the residents were deprived the right to prepare for another lockdown the state will begin today, this is because many of the salary earners in the state were not been paid. Thirdly, the state Deputy Governor in his announcement did not explain to the millions of the state residents the nature of the second lockdown or when it will end. Lastly, many people in the state during Ramadan depend on other people to break their fasting.

Based on the stated concerns, we are calling on the state government to as a matter of urgency:

  1. Explain to the public the nature of the lockdown this time
  2. Pay all workers in the state their salaries and allow them to prepare for the Ramadan
  3. Publish items that are exempted from the lockdown and explain to the people how they will be accessing those items
  4. The state government need to have concrete plans on the most vulnerable in the society especially during Buda Baki.

Press Statement in Celebration of International Girls Day in ICT by the Centre for Information Technology and Development

Date: 23 April, 2020.

As the world is celebrating the International Girls Day in ICT, the Centre for Information Technology and
Development (CITAD) as one of the leading organizations working around Information and
Communication in Nigeria joins the rest of the world to celebrate the future women in our society. Over
the years, CITAD has been hosting events, organized lectures, radio programs and online campaigns to
commemorate with young girls and give them hope, mentorship and encourage them to take career in
the area of ICT as it is the future work. All these are being done in order to close the digital gap in the
country

This year, unlike many other years before, as the world is battling with deadly CoronaVirus that confines
people at one place and restricts gathering of large number of people, physical activities will not hold.
Interestingly, as the world has already moved and ICT has taken over most of our works, the CITAD still
celebrates this important day by organizing Twitter Chat with two women who have excelled in the field
of ICT.

The objective of the event is to leverage on the power of ICT to encourage girls to embrace ICT for their
individual development, grab opportunities available in ICT and discuss benefits of having more girls in
ICT, and the steps governments and individuals can take to have more girls who will take up career in
ICT

As ICT is gradually taking our jobs and pushing many to labor market, so, the need to explore ways to
incorporate young girls especially in Northern Nigeria into the ICT world and encourage our girls to be
ICT competent.

As it has been noted by the Untied Nation "With technology playing a role in all kinds of careers, from
art and history to law, primary teaching and graphic design, learning tech skills at a young age will set
girls up for economic independence. And, the ICT sector needs more girls and women" looking at how
technology is pushing so hard into our lives, it is very important to prepare our girls in this area because
"The jobs of the future will be driven by technology and innovation, 65 per cent of children entering
primary school today will have jobs that do not yet exist" emphasized by the United Nations.

It's in this regard that CITAD is calling on the government both at state and national levels to:

1. come up with more empowerment programs for the upcoming young women and girls in the area of ICT.

2. Wealthy individuals in the society to help in building ICT centers in their locality and help young girls
to pursue career in ICT.
3. Parents to encourage their girls to take career in ICT and give them all the necessary support they
require.

Stop Exposing Kano COVID-19 Patient to Public Discrimination and Danger

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has observed that some people are using the picture of the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Kano State on various social media platforms in a discriminatory way. CITAD did also notice that people are using his name, picture and status in a negative way. In our part, we see this as a threat to the fight against this deadly virus. Reasons are: People will now become skeptical to self-report themselves when they suspect they have been infected with virus for fear of being stigmatized and harassed; This has clearly breached the ethics of medical profession which demand respect for confidentiality of patient identify; The life of the patient and his family are now being put at risk.

Though we believe that it is wrong for anyone who suspected to have contracted the virus or have a travel history to any place where there is confirmed case of Covid-19 to be mingling with other people, but it is also absolutely wrong for people to be victimizing and stigmatizing the victim which will set the fight against Covid-19 back in the country.

While we urge people to continue to cooperate with authorities and adhere to prevention guidelines, we call on the public to respect the privacy and rights of all individuals regardless of their health status. We also realized that past pictures of the victim are circulating tagging people he had related with in the past years as victims, we urge people to stop creating unnecessary panic in the society. Medical professionals to respect the privacy and confidentiality of their patients no matter the nature of their illnesses. Government to be more proactive in this fight and ensure privacy of every patient is being guaranteed so as not discourage people from self-reporting.

As digital rights organization, we cherish privacy online and while we struggle to ensure that government does not abuse the privacy of individuals, we should equally urge citizens to respect the privacy of others.

#StaySafe

 

Ali Sabo

Campaigns and Communications Officer

Press Statement on Lockdown of Kano State by the Centre for Information Technology and Development

We must first of all commend the Kano state government for this painful but bold decision to lockdown the state effective from 16th of April, 2020 by 10pm. It would be recalled that the state has on the 23rd of march, 2020 ordered the closure of its borders with all state, preventing people from coming and going out of the state, in order to curb the importation of this deadliest coronavirus that is ravaging cities, destroying countries’ economies and exposing the inadequacy of the health care systems of the most developed countries in the world. Since the outbreak of this pandemic, CITAD has been making press statements to call on the concerned authorities to take necessary actions, including closure of markets, mosques, ceremonial gathering and all other crowdy activities to curtail the spread of the virus among people. Unfortunately, many of the recommendations offered by CITAD including the lockdown of the state were not being taken seriously which led to the first recorded case in the state. As of yesterday, when the state decided to impose the total lockdown in the state, there were 4 confirmed cases with many people’s blood taken for testing.

The decision taken by the Kano state government to lockdown the state is a welcome step but we must not forget that the majority of the population of this most populous in the country depend on informal work which requires them to go out daily to look for what they will eat and feed their family.

We see the announcement as ambiguous and incomplete, because we all know that a directive like this cannot be achieved and successfully implemented without a laying a clear road map on how to address the problems of vulnerable groups in the state, groups that who will tomorrow find their means of livelihood has gone with the lockdown. We call on the State Governor to come out with clear and accountable plans for palliatives to meet the needs of the vulnerable.

We not that the call by two commissioners in Kano state calling the Federal government to come to the aid of the state by providing assistance to the Government.

While such calls are reasonable, it is incumbent of the State Government to as a matter of public interest and to avoid any resistance from the residents to:

  1. Come up with a clear and elaborate plan on how to support the vulnerable people in the society which must be an accountable and all-inclusive
  2. Inform the public how the donations given by different individuals and organizations have been used so far
  • The federal government to introduce a transparent and accountable monitoring mechanism to ensure the support is not being diverted
  1. The well to do individuals in the society to support poor people in their areas at this critical time

 

Ali Sabo

Campaigns and Communications Officer

Kano’s Covid-19: Gov. Ganduje Needs to Act Swiftly, CITAD Raises Alarm

Following the flurry of news of mass burials of corpses of victims of coronavirus in Kano State in the last couple of days, which authorities have tagged as fake news, the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), has raised an alarm which tend to suggest that all is truly not well with the state’s response mechanism. Below is the full text of a snap commentary on the situation by CITAD’s Executive Director, Mallam Y.Z. Ya’u made available to National Record:  

THE spate of fake news, largely to create panic among the citizenry, has only helped to obscure an important question that is of importance to Nigerians, both in Kano and in other places. It is such that as of now, Kano State’s efforts to curtail and contain the covid-19 pandemic has no coordinating leadership and it seems nobody is talking about it.

About four weeks ago, Governor Ganduje, as part of the measures to prevent the spread of the virus in the state, announced the establishment of the State Taskforce Committee to coordinate all the efforts of the government in the state. The Committee has the Deputy Governor, Nasiru Gawuna and an academic, Prof. Abdulrazaq Garba Habib, as co-chairs.

Last week, Prof. Habib, along with three other members of the Committee, tested positive for the virus and have since been medically isolated. The remaining members who tested negative also are on self-isolation as necessary precaution.

Against this background, the state’s efforts have suffered a serious setback. There is nobody providing leadership, nobody giving strategic monitoring and ideas are not flowing. In fact, information does not flow because there is no committee to provide the necessary information that will assuage the information thirst of citizens of the state.

The inability of the state government to come out with comprehensive plan for palliatives cannot also be unconnected with the fact that as of now, nobody is in charge. In the same sense, the government is incapable of responding to the management of the news flow, including several pieces of fake news that it ought to respond to and clarify which have every potential of undermining the objectives of the lockdown.

As the number of confirmed cases continues to rise, there is no gainsaying that the governor has to have people in charge for the government’s efforts to be driven and achieve meaningful results. In this, the governor has two options: either to consider the original taskforce committee as already dissolved and appoint a new one or expand the committee by appointing additional members so that it could still have sufficient number of members for it to carry out the task effectively. Whichever option the governor decides to take, time is of essence. He cannot continue to prevaricate as this battle cannot be won without leadership.

There are already urgent tasks lined up for the committee, waiting for when it will be on the ground and hit it going. For one, given the huge population of Kano and its vast size, it needs to learn from the Lagos experience by establishing testing centres in several other places and not just limited to one place.

Second, it seems that a significant number of Kano’s population, especially young people and people in the inner city, have still not to come to terms with the pandemic. There is therefore the need for sustained engagement with these segments of the population to get them to understand that this is real.

This is not an easy task, given that part of the problem is that people are beginning to distrust government and therefore see whatever government says as lies. Yet, it is still doable to get them into the fold.

Third, the lockdown is faltering in a number of places. This faltering is not just because people do not believe that there is COVID-19 but also because government’s plan for the lockdown was not clearly thought out. Two areas of immediate concern are the issue of palliatives. So far, no concrete information is out from the government. Given that a significant population of Kano makes their living in the informal sector of the economy, this is an important issue that needs urgent attention.

The other is that people are still not clear what are exempted during the lockdown. This needs to be clarified along with making a clear list of exempts which should include bakeries. This is because bread is the cheap and convenient food of the poor which they take morning, afternoon and evening.

Part of the reason is that bread does not require cooking so there is no expenditure for further cooking or time wasted in doing the cooking. Second, it does not require additional expenditure such as when cooking, say rice, which requires stew to be made. If bakeries are closed, then a huge population of the city in particular will see their daily food gone and would come under immense hardship as they will find it difficult to find a substitute.

One area that one of the “news” sought to play upon is that people were dying in Kano because the hospitals are closed. This is not true but government has to make emphatic statement that healthcare services are part of the exempt so that people who need medical attention can still get this either at their primary healthcare units or secondary hospitals or at the tertiary levels.

Above all, what is needed is the ability to think dispassionately and respond to the situation on the basis of knowledge, experience and history. There is no short cut to doing a diligent work that is needed to begin to slow down the speed of the spread and flatten the graph to achieve net zero infection quickly.

CITAD Calls for Strengthening of Kano Lockdown

THE Centre for information Technology and Development (CITAD) has called on the Kano State government to reinforce the lockdown order that was imposed on the state six days ago following a sharp increase on the number of persons who tested positive for coronavirus on Monday. The number of covid-19 rose by 23 on Monday taking the total in the state to 59.

CITAD stated that the essence of restriction of movement is to curtail the spread of the virus among people. “Kano, as densely as it is, will not afford to continue recording more cases looking at how fragile our health system is, so the best way to ensure we defeat this virus is by staying at home and complying with all the instructions given by health professionals,” the statement signed by Ali Sabo, Campaigns and Communication Officer, stated.

He provided further reasons why the state government needs to tighten the lockdown when he stated: “Yesterday, Kano state recorded the highest number of new confirmed cases in the country (23) which took the tally of the total number of the confirmed cases in the state to 59. This is a state which less than a week ago didn’t have a single case. This shows how the virus is spreading among people like wildfire such that if adequate measures are not taken the state is going to surpass Abuja which, as of yesterday, had total confirmed cases of 89, despite having its first case more than three weeks.

“Furthermore, CITAD has noticed with total disappointment how people are getting back to their normal lives in some areas of the state especially in the inner-city areas. This is something that should worry every right-thinking person, not only government, looking at how the number of positive cases in the state is increasing on a daily basis.

“It is good to note that even the most developed countries in the world are finding it hard to contain this virus once it got out of hand. In the United States of America alone, more than 42,000 people have lost their lives due to coronavirus with more than 600,000 confirmed cases.

“Also, CITAD has noticed with concern how fake news is spreading in the state about the increase of the number of deaths in the state which has been reported by many online media. This, on our part, is targeted at rendering the stay-at-home order ineffective and to also weaken the spirit of people in the state. While investigations by several individuals and organisations have confirmed that there were deaths, the number being quoted in the media appears to be out of tune with the reality. However, in this context we urge the government to thoroughly investigate the matter and make public its findings to the public.

“Finally, we are calling on the state government to deploy more security personnel not only to major roads and big residential areas in the state but also to every nook and cranny to ensure the total compliance of the order. All football activities in the state must be stopped and anyone found violating the order should be punished.

“This can be achieved by incorporating districts, villages and ward heads and vigilante groups in the monitoring team. The state government, in order to prevent unwarranted rumours that will likely lead to fake news, must ensure that from today every death in the state must be taken for autopsy before burial to ascertain the actual cause of the death.

In addition to this, we call on the state government to publish the list of the exempted items so that members of the public will not claim ignorance.

CITAD Urges Kano Govt to Strengthen the Lockdown as Locals Violate the Order

The Centre for Information and Technology Development, CITAD has called on Kano state government to strengthen the lockdown of the city and 44 Local Government Areas in order to curtail the spread of the coronavirus.

In a statement signed by Ali Sabo the Campaigns and Communication of Centre and made available to Arewa Affairs.

He said ” As the order of stay at home enters day six, the Centre for information Technology and Development continued to monitor the situation in the state, give possible suggestions to the state government on ways and measures that need to put in place to strengthen the order and ensure the total compliance by all people in the state”.

Sabo added that the essence of giving the directive of restricting people movements is to curtail the spread of the virus among people.

” Kano as densely as it is it would not afford to continue recording more cases looking at how fragile our health system is, so the best way to ensure we defeat this virus is by staying at home and complying with all the instructions given by health professionals”.

Yesterday, Kano state recorded the highest number of new confirmed cases in the country (23) which took the tally of the total number of the confirmed cases in the state to 59.

The centre expressed concern over rising number of coronavirus cases in the state.

” This is a state which less a weak ago it didn’t have any single case. This shows how the virus is spreading among people like wildfire which if adequate measures are not taken the state is going to surpass Abuja which as of yesterday has confirmed cases of 89 despite having its first case more than three weeks”.

Furthermore, CITAD has noticed with total disappointment how people are getting back to their normal lives in some areas of the state especially in the inner-city areas.

” This is something that should worry every right-thinking person, not only government looking at how the number of positive cases in the state is increasing on daily basis. It is good to note that even the most developed countries in the world are finding it hard to contain this virus once it got out of hand. In the United State of America alone, more than 42,000 people have lost their lives due to coronavirus with more than 600,000 confirmed cases” the statement further reads .

Also, CITAD has noticed with concern how fake news are going around in the state about the increase of the number of deaths in the state which has been reported by many online media.

According to Sabo ”This in our part is targeted at rendering the stay at home order ineffective and to also weaken the spirit of people in the state. While investigations by several individuals and organizations have confirmed that there were deaths, the number being quoted in the media appears to be out of tune with reality. However, in this context we urge that government thoroughly investigate the matter and make public its findings to the public.

Finally, we are calling on the state government to deploy more security personnel not only to major roads and big residential areas in the state but to every nooks and crannies to ensure the total compliance of the order.

All football activities in the state must be stopped and anyone found violating the order should be punished. This can be achieved by incorporating districts, villages and wards heads and vigilante groups in the monitoring team.

The state government to ensure from today every death in the state must be taken for autopsy before burial to ascertain the cause of the death. The state government to publish the list of the exempted items so that public will not be claiming ignorance”.

CITAD Laments Violation of Stay at Home Order in Kano

As the order of stay at home enters day six, the Centre for information Technology and Development (CITAD) has expressed disappointment over non compliance in Kano state lamenting that the development escalates the spread of the coronavirus pandemic in the state. Campaign and communication officer of the centre Ali Sabo in a press statement said they have continued to monitor the situation in the state, give possible suggestions to the state government on ways and measures that need to put in place to strengthen the order and ensure the total compliance by all people in the state. ” As we are all aware, the essence of giving the directive of restricting people movements is to curtail the spread of the virus among people. ” Kano as densely as it is it would not afford to continue recording more cases looking at how fragile our health system is, so the best way to ensure we defeat this virus is by staying at home and complying with all the instructions given by health professionals. ” Yesterday, Kano state recorded the highest number of new confirmed cases in the country (23) which took the tally of the total number of the confirmed cases in the state to 59. ” This is a state which less a weak ago it didn’t have any single case. This shows how the virus is spreading among people like wildfire which if adequate measures are not taken the state is going to surpass Abuja which as of yesterday has confirmed cases of 89 despite having its first case more than three weeks”. He pointed out. He said CITAD has noticed with total disappointment how people are getting back to their normal lives in some areas of the state especially in the inner-city areas. According to him, every right-thinking person, not only government looking at how the number of positive cases in the state is increasing on daily basis should worry. ” It is good to note that even the most developed countries in the world are finding it hard to contain this virus once it got out of hand. In the United State of America alone, more than 42,000 people have lost their lives due to coronavirus with more than 600,000 confirmed cases.”

Press Statement On The Need To Secure Kano Borders By The Centre For Information Technology And Development

Date: April 18, 2020

As the total lockdown in Kano state enters second day, the Centre for Information Technology and Development has continued to monitor the situation in the state; how people are complying with orders and how secure the state borders are. As we all know it is only when every entry and exit point is secured can we defeat this deadly virus that is on the rise everyday and threatening our existence.

 

Yesterday we issued a situation report on the level of compliance of the lockdown directives given by the state government. To our total dismay, many people chose to ignored the directive and continue with their normal activities, including observing of Friday prayers in some mosques despite the threat this virus is posing to us. It should a matter of concern to all sensible persons the rate at which the number of cases being confirmed in the state is increasing on daily basis since the first recorded case. As at yesterday, the State has 27 confirmed cases including the co-chair of the task force committee on Covid19 in the state and one fatality. This is a state in which one week ago, there wasn’t a single active case. The challenge of the state has been compounded by the fact that some members of the State Taskforce have tested positive and therefore now inactive as most of them are in isolation or self-quarantine. This means that effectively there is no leadership to coordinate the efforts of the Government in responding to the challenges of the COVD 19.

 

The essence of imposing lockdown is to stop all movements of people including coming and going out of the state in order to stop the spread of the virus, but most importantly is stop people from entering the state from other states especially the states that are already battling with the disease.

 

However, reports reaching us from our partners and observers in the state indicate that still the state’s borders are so porous with little presence of security personnel which allows people to enter the state from many directions.

 

Despite the lockdown and the earlier order given to stop inter-state movements, travelers are still entering the state through Rano local government using a feeder road from Kwanar Dangora, Gwangwan town then to Rano town. To avoid being noticed, sometimes they follow push paths that link them to the feeder roads to Rano and pass through Rano town. Similarly, the Zakirai-Ringim border which links to Taura, Kafin Hausa, Auyo and Hadejia is also still accessible by motorists with little hindrance. Most of the travelers according to our sources are Okada Riders who are returning from Abuja, Lagos, and Shagamu. These are areas where the virus is already widely spread and the fear is that unless effective measure immediately taken, the importation of the virus will be in the increase and since these are not people will self-isolate, they would become the sources of community infections which is much more difficult to deal with.

 

While we commend the efforts of state government and security personnel and acknowledged the complications of these borders, we maintain that securing the borders is the best way to stop more importation of the virus into the state. It is on this note that we strongly call on the Kano State Government to as matter of urgency to ensure that border patrol is not limited to highway only. Feeder roads, including footpaths around border towns and villages,  should also be included to prevent people from bypassing authorities; adequate measures such as proper monitoring on the state’s borders to stop entering the state from any border are put in place; religious leaders fully comply with government orders and punish anyone found misleading the public. All intercepted travelers should promptly handed to the NCDC for compulsory isolation and quarantine period of two weeks after which these who tested negative can be released to continue their journey to their destination.

 

Ali Sabo

Campaigns and Communication Officer