Kano COVID-19 Battlespace Takes a ‘Civil Society’ Turn

The battle against Coronavirus siege on Kano is taking a ‘civil society’ turn with the “Kano Against Covid-19” platform emerging as citizens and civil society initiative on the matter. The initiative which has been in the making is formally stepping out with the declaration that the state “appears to be in a full scale community transmission with many deaths recorded in the last two to three weeks”.

‘Kano Against COVID-19’ set to replicate the global example?

It is locating this in what it calls “profound series of misunderstanding of the disease in Kano” which it is set to overwhelm by working with key stakeholders such as the State Government, traditional rulers, religious leaders and the media. That way, the amalgam hopes to combat the epidemic through information warfare.

Of recent, civil society participation in social dynamics has been dominated by the debate about what power resource the advocacy merchants have got. Interestingly, the management of pandemics is where the civil society has made the most striking input since 2003, mysterious decentering state power and even the WHO in the management of SARS in 2003 in ways that have been really fascinating. This initiative could thus be a Nigerian case study depending on how strikingly successful it turns out.

 

 

Thematised around structures such as the Governance and Delivery Framework, Deploying Technology and Innovation to Address the Pandemic, Community mobilisation and public awareness, Health Management of the Pandemic and so on, the initiative would be working with stakeholders to popularize the advisory delivered by the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) for example, on the interment of possible victims of COVID-19 pandemic, (containing safer and Islamically legitimate ways of washing, shrouding carrying out Janazah prayers for suspected Covid-19 victims). It would equally work with NCDC to supplementing or enforcing protocols compliant with the NCDC guidelines for burials, amongst others.

Dr. Ihekweazu, one of those the initiative will be working with as Head of the NCDC

Another partner of the initiative as Head of the NSCIA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The process has already started with series of intensive virtual meetings and consultations with these and other bodies as in the case of the Monday 4th May, 2020 strategy meeting by 72 persons, among them community leaders, professionals of various backgrounds and civil society leaders.  The meeting in question enjoyed briefing from Dr. Sani Aliyu, National Coordinator of the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19, Dr. Nasir Sani Gwarzo, Head of the Presidential Task Force to Kano along with his colleague, Dr. Mukhtar Mohammed; Prof. Musa Mohammed Borodo, the Head of the Scientific Committee of the Kano State Government on Covid-19 as well as Ms Zouera Youssoufou, CEO of Aliko Dangote Foundation.

But the initiative did not forget to mention that it is obvious that there was inadequate preparation at the state level and control measures were ineffective. It laments lack of clear messaging to the citizens, notes discordant tunes from some religious and community leaders expressing doubts about the existence of the disease, all of which folded into the ineffectual enforcement of the lockdown subsequently introduced by the State authorities.

Expected to transform both the grand ideas and specific tasks into productive outcomes are the big names associated with the initiative as listed in the statement to that effect. They include Members of  Alhaji Bashir Othman Tofa; Alhaji Abba Dabo; Prof. M. Y. Bello, VC, BUK; Dr. Shamsuddeen Usman; Prof. Fatima B. Mukhtar, VC, FUD; Hajuya Fatima Wali Abdulrahman; Isyaku Umar Tofa, Danadala; Sule Yahaya Hamma; A. B. Mahmoud SAN and Prof. A. Yadudu.

These are the members of the Governing structure while the members of the Steering Committee include Prof Jibrin Ibrahim; A, B. Mahmoud SAN; Prof. Awwalu. Yadudu; Prof Mohammed Tabiu; Maryam Uwais; Prof Mahmoud Sani; Aisha Oyebode; Amal Hassan and Y. Z. Ya’u.

Kano Citizens Converge Against Coronavirus

PROMINENT Kano citizens have risen to the challenge posed by the escalation in the number of infections that has dramatically shot the state to number one position to form a common front against Covid-19. A Press Statement from the group, Kano Against Covid-19 – A Citizens and Civil Society Initiative, has revealed.

The group’s emergence followed a recent Save-Our-Soul (SOS) by the Executive Director of Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), Mallam Yunusa Zakari Ya’u, to Kano intellectuals, captains of business and leaders of thought as the rate of infections for coronavirus rose sharply. As the rate of infections climbed, reports of dozens of ‘mysterious deaths’ also emerged; deaths which were said to have mimicked covid-19 cases.

Prominent members of the Kano Against Covid-19 Initiative include Alhaji Bashir Othman Tofa, Alhaji Abba Dabo, Prof. M. Y. Bello, Dr. Shamsuddeen Usman, Prof. Fatima B. Mukhtar, Hajuya Fatima Wali Abdulrahman , Alhaji Isyaku Umar Tofa, Danadala; Alhaji Sule Yahaya Hamma; A. B. Mahmoud (SAN) and Prof. Awwalu Yadudu (SAN).

Others include Prof Jibrin Ibrahim; Prof Mohammed Tabiu; Maryam Uwais; Prof Mahmoud Sani; Aisha Oyebode Amal Hassan and Mallam Y. Z. Ya’u.

Notice -The group, after a series of engagements with healthcare professional, observed and came out with recommendations which it said are very urgent in containing the pandemic in the state.

Noting that on-the-ground-assessments have shown that Kano is at the stage of widespread community infection, especially in the densely populated core local government areas of the metropolis – Dala, Municipal and Gwale, the group recommend the need to establish the extent and pattern of the epidemic by rapidly expanding testing and the provision of more testing centres and kits; the provision of more bed spaces for isolation, holding areas and case management of patients and the unified management protocols for all covid-19 patients in the state and the urgent need to procure and deliver of sufficient Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for protection of medical personnel, a significant number of whom had been infected in the early days of the infection in the state.

Other urgent steps recommended by the group include the need to introduce a system of triage, sorting and provision of telemedicine facilities to ensure medical care for all sick persons due to the fact that virtually all medical centres in the state have stopped admitting patients for non-covid-19 infections; the urgent need to improve on the welfare of healthcare workers in terms of remuneration, accommodation, adequate protection and health insurance; and finally, the need to set up a joint task force consisting of the members of the current State Task Force and representation from AKTH and NOH Dala – for improved synergy and coordination and for unified decisions and synergy in the implementation of strategies.

ACCORDING TO THE GROUP, WHILE SOME STATES SUCH AS LAGOS EXHIBITED GREATER CAPABILITY AND PROFESSIONALISM IN DEALING WITH THE CRISIS AND HAVE BEEN ABLE TO MOBILIZE RESOURCES WITHIN A SHORT SPAN OF TIME TO PUT EFFECTIVE STRUCTURES ON GROUND AND ALSO ADDRESS SOME OF THE HUMANITARIAN NEEDS OF THEIR PEOPLE, THE OPPOSITE WAS THE CASE IN KANO STATE DUE TO POOR PREPARATION AND POOR LEADERSHIP DIRECTION ALL OF WHICH COMBINED TO CREATE DOUBTS IN THE CITIZENRY ON THE REALITY OF COVID-18.

“Unfortunately, the situation in Kano State has been quite worrisome, if not alarming.  It now appears to be in a full scale community transmission with many deaths recorded in the last two to three weeks.

“It was obvious that there was inadequate preparation at the state level and control measures were ineffective. There was lack of clear messaging to the citizens. Discordant tunes were also coming from some religious and community leaders expressing doubts about the existence of the disease.

“The lockdown subsequently introduced by the State authorities was not vigorously enforced even after the Federal authorities extended the period. There was seeming dissonance in the institutional framework for the coordination of the State Covid-19 Control efforts, including crisis within the Task Force after some of its members became infected.  The only testing facility at the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) was temporarily closed after being contaminated.

“It was in this context that Kano stakeholders and community leaders came together in a citizen initiative – Kano Against Covid-19 to determine how best to assist in contributing to an effective strategy for dealing with the Covid-19 outbreak in Kano,” the statement notes.

The statement outlined five objectives of the initiative which include to engage in advocacy and mobilisation along the three tiers of government, within the community, the private sector, civil society and international partners to combat the pandemic; identity the key problems and challenges bedevilling efforts to curb the spread of covid-19 in the state; develop an intervention logic practices with the competencies and capacity to address the problem and challenges identified; develop a framework on how to engage collectively to contribute to a better strategy of curtailing and containing the spread of the virus in Kano; and provide a strategy that adequately prepares for the post-covid era, in Kano.

According to the Citizens and Civil Society Initiative, the last few days have been exclusively dedicated to engagements on how to overcome the infection in the state.

“In the last few days we have held series of intensive virtual meetings and consultations to map out a framework and strategy for intervention. At our third meeting on Monday 4th May, 2020 at 9.00 pm, there were 72 persons in attendance. These include prominent community leaders, professionals of various backgrounds and civil society leaders.

“During our meetings we had the benefit of engaging with and being briefed by several professionals engaged in the effort to control the spread of the disease in Kano.  These include Dr. Sani Aliyu, National Coordinator of the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19,  as well as Dr. Nasir Sani Gwarzo, Head of the Presidential Task Force to Kano, along with his colleague, Dr. Mukhtar Mohammed. We were also briefed by Prof. Musa Mohammed Borodo, the Head of the Scientific Committee of the Kano State Government on Covid-19.

“At two of our meetings, we also had the benefit of being briefed by Ms Zouera Youssoufou, CEO of Aliko Dangote Foundation. We are greatly appreciative of their efforts in assisting our understanding of the Kano situation. We also thank them for their immense sacrifices and empathy,” the group stated.

The group, noting that due to the profound series of misunderstanding of the disease in Kano, emphasise the need for the state government to work with other stakeholders such as traditional rulers, religious leaders and the media to improve on public enlightenment on combatting the epidemic.

“Currently, the continuation of congregational prayers in some mosques, playing of football and other sports, mass attendance of burials and mourning scenarios all indicate a very poor understanding of social distancing which must be urgently addressed.

“Working with stakeholders to popularize the advisory delivered by the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) on the interment of possible victims of COVID-19 pandemic (which recommends safer and Islamically legitimate ways of washing, shrouding carrying out Janazah prayers for suspected Covid-19 victims), the Initiative would support enforcement efforts, which also complies with the NCDC guidelines for burials .

“It is strongly recommended that attendance at Funerals (Salatul Janazah and Burial) for all Deceased (COVID19 and Non-COVID19) during the period of the Pandemic should NOT be encouraged by all people due to the high potential for  COVID19 infection.

“To introduce a new and more inclusive, efficient and transparent approach to the collection and distribution of palliatives through trustworthy community-based organizations.

“Advocacy on the importance of wearing face masks and staying at home (unless absolutely necessary) shall be ramped up, through appropriate media and advocacy channels,” the initiative advised, adding that it will also be deploying technology and innovation to address the pandemic.

“We are working with relevant stakeholders to develop content to mount a social media enlightenment campaign; setting up a call centre facility to support easier contact with NCDC and another one for the public who might be in need for quick interventions; developing an App that enables people to self- test themselves based on questions provided by the Ministry of Health. The result of the self-test would go directly to the NCDC and it can use it as basis to act, and raising of funds to allow these engagements to proceed effectively.”

Tenth Twitter Chat on Addressing the Needs of Women and Girls in the Lockdown Palliatives with Mrs Ene Obi, Country Director, Action Aid Nigeria

In continuation of its enlightening program amidst the coronavirus pandemic, the centre for information technology and development (CITAD) has today , the 30th of April, 2020 held its 11th twitter chat with a good governance advocate, and women and girls rights specialist, Mrs. Ene Obi, country Director of Action Aid Nigeria. The twitter chat is part of the Centre for Information Technology and Development efforts in helping the fight against the deadly coronavirus virus in the country which is being held twice every week. In the twitter chat, CITAD uses to invite great personalities from different professions to come and interact with people in the hope of finding solutions to many problems associated with pandemic.

 

This week the chat focuses on the needs of women and girls palliatives in this lockdown, the guest started by explaining the needs of women and girls which to her are practical needs such as food, nutritional supports for infants and children and sanitary. She stated that a lockdown may not be prepared for and in a situation where you have many homes below the poverty line, it becomes critical and challenging for them.

 

Mrs. Obi further explain that Palliatives from what she have seen so far has not targeted women and girls except may be the food items, but other needs are not being captured. In her words “it is important to note that women are still having babies and girls still continue with their monthly periods. No matter what, that is humanity in display”.

 

In responding to a question about the increase of domestic violence during this lockdown, she advised that “it is important to focus on practical needs and strategic needs of women and girls such as protection services. This includes shelter, medicals including psychosocial support services in order to address the interconnection of the lockdown and gender based violence”.

 

During the interaction, the guest took her time to explain the challenges of women and girls during this lockdown and the way forward, she also responded to questions asked by the participants.

Below are some of the questions and comments from the chat:

 

@ICTAdvocates  First of all Ms,what are the needs of women and girls in the lockdown palliative?

 

@ene_obi replying to @ICTAdvocates A lockdown may not be prepared for and in a situation were you have many homes below the poverty line, it becomes critical.

@ICTAdvocates replying to @ene_obi Again are there specific needs of women and girls that palliative measures should beaddressing in this lockdown season,

@ene_obi replying to  @ICTAdvocates There are practical needs such as food, nutritional supports for infants and children/ sanitary including wash. These are essential and critical needs of women and girls

 

 

@ene_obi Palliatives from what I have seen so far has not targeted women and girls except may the food items but not the other. It is important to note women are still having children, girls continue with the monthly periods no matter what, that is humanity in display.

 

@ibrahimsulaiman replying to  @ene_obi

This is serious. Government and other stakeholders should pay much attention to the plight of women in order to be able to addressed this problem.

 

@sanibalashehuka replying to@ene_obi O may God! as a mother an activist and advocate, what do you suggest to the humanitarian minister to do more to women and girls child, being she too is a women? does women ignore women misery and suffering? wish you all the best.

 

@ene_obi replying to @ sanibalashehuka: Women and girls need to be consulted on what they need. This implies doing a rapid assessment of what they need. Gender needs should be addressed. Women and girls are traditional bearers of the burden of the home but their voices are hardly heard in planning

 

@mukhtars_s replying to @ene_obi Ma pls what do you think will help to achieve the efficient and equitable distribution of relief packages to these vulnerable Nigerians especially Women and girls.

 

@ene_obi Replying to @SANIBALASHEHUKA@ICTAdvocates top of the issues are non inclusion of the Ministry of Women Affairs at the COVID-19 Task Force, at the community response, LGA, states and at the national levels

 

@Mukhtars_s replying to @ene_ob i:. So far, the distribution of palliatives have not created desired meaningful impact on the livelihoods of the targeted poor masses.

@ene_obiReplying to  @a_sabo12 @ICTAdvocates and 6 others Ali, it is important to listen to the women and girls in the house. They know what they need but without asking them you can provide the wrong things. It is also not true in many homes that it is only men that are shouldering the responsibilities.

@salma replying to@ene_obi, what is so far your assessment of the concerns of women and girls in this lockdown moment? @a_sabo12 @ICTAdvocatesand 6 others

 

@ene_obi Plan with the household and learn to listen within the household. It is important to discuss and have inclusion in deciding not only because you have but value their unpaid care work at the home level @SANIBALASHEHUKA @ICTAdvocates  and 6 others

 

@ene_obi In the circumstances, she is doing the best that she can. We would encourage her to take into account the needs of women and girls. That is why in the humanitarian response of ActionAid Nigeria, we work with women headed household and take Ministry

Replying to @SANIBALASHEHUKA@ICTAdvocates and 6 others

 

@ene_obi Their needs usually is the needs of their families. We encourage those at the state levels to also take these needs into consideration in their work on palliatives. The Government should also provide the necessary resource to enhance the work of the Ministry

 

@SANIBALASHEHUKA I think the nation is still waiting for the palliatives. Some states are trying and we see rice moving to states but what is the real government plan on the palliatives, we are yet to  that Ene Obi @ene_obi They need the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and at the state levels as well

 

@SANIBALASHEHUKA to @ene_obi  Ma, you have rise many important issues that women and girls are left out during the planning stage and many stages of policy cycles, agencies such as women affairs, statistic bureau to just mention but a few. can the CSOs get in to Assist at both FG, States and LG? it may help!

 

@ene_obi to @sanibala: They need the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and at the state levels as well

 

@ene_obi to @ mukhtar: The programme was started in 2016 by the present government. The Government needs to come out with clear programmes for the people and we need to include the needs of women at the rural areas and the urban poor

 

@ene_obi to @mukhar: We must distinguish between the National Social Investment Programme which is now under the Ministry of Humanitarian, Disaster Management and Social Development. This includes the cash transfer, it is not a COVID-19 palliatives

 

@ene_obi to @ICTAdvocatesThey urgently need sanitary supplies along everything that is been distributed. ActionAid and CITAD is working together in some communities. Take all that has been suggested and ensure that those needs are into the decisions

 

@ene_obi Replying to @ICTAdvocates@YZYau and 10 others Families and the Government at all levels need to be more sensitive about the needs of women and girls and take that consideration into planning for emergencies and long term planning as well. Their participation and inclusion is as important

 

 

@ooomiiiii to @ene_obi During the town hall meeting AIT hosted, the minister of humanitarian

@Sadiya_farouq said they are collaborating with @ActionAidNG to ensure transparency in the distribution of the pallaitives, In what way has Actionaid collaborated with federal government?

 

@ene_obi Replying to @ooomiiiii and @ICTAdvocates Education of the girl child and continuous education of women is key to their development and their contribution to national development.

 

@ene_obi, we would like to please end with recommendations regarding catering foe women and girls concerns in the palliative measures, and generally outside of the palliatives, that perhaps include roles of different stakeholders in the society @YZYau@Mairo_Ado@HariraWak@SANIBALASHEHUKA

 

Replying to @ene_obi @ICTAdvocates and 6 otherswe really enjoy, this tweeter Chat and learn a lot there in, we wish you all the best

@ene_obi in your day to day undertaking and i will close this little one third finish statement by saying we love you, God Loves You and God Bless You.

@YZYau @ICTAdvocates bye. till next tweet.

 

@ene_obi Replying to  @ICTAdvocates@YZYau and 10 others Women farmers need farm inputs such as fertilizers and seedlings. They need the support of government to continue production and sustain food security for the country

@ene_obiReplying  to @ICTAdvocates @YZYau and 5 others Poverty needs to be further addressed. Many women cannot feed their family. Majority of Nigerians are daily earners, cutting that creates untold suffering as many men are unable to feed their families, similarly, women who are daily earners are at a loss

 

@ene_obi Replying to @ChiromaHope @ICTAdvocates and 3 others It will be nice if you can start from your community, the culture of silence is negating what efforts people are putting in. If it is somebody’s daughter today, it can be your daughter tomorrow. If you do not protect the girl today, what would happen to yours

 

@ICTAdvocates It has really been such a great and beneficial discourse by @ene_obi Country Director of @ActionAidNG, we thank you very much for the insightful talk, #staysafe Ma. We also thank everyone for the robust participation. See you again for another chat next week @YZYau @HariraWakili

 

New Explanation for Kano Death Toll Emerging

Attention is shifting rapidly from COVID-19 itself to the attitude of the residents and the negligence by the state government to be more proactive in the understanding of the rising death toll in the Northwestern state of Kano in Nigeria. The Centre for Information Technology and Development, (CITAD) which is pushing this line in its latest situation report has come down harshly on the residents, severely blaming the citizens for neither complying with the directives given by the state government nor adhering to the advice given by health professionals without realizing it is putting their lives in great danger every day.

Why are the masses not listening to

instructions by political leaders?

Would things be like they are if he were still around?

 

 

It is also advising the Kano State Government in favour of being more proactive and to stop waiting for support from Federal government, wealthy individuals and development partners. CITAD is also alleging that security personnel attached to the check points in the state have found lucrative business in the check points, making check points a ‘pay and pass gates’ instead of them preventing people from violating the lockdown order.

The attitude in question may not be unconnected with citizens’ attitude to a number of things happening at the same time around the Kano area. Some of them must be the COVID-19 pandemic, the high temperature across the country but particularly in Kano area now; the Muslim fasting in which all Muslims are participating as a primary religious obligation, (there is an unverified claim that the number of deaths during fasting which coincides with hot season is always high and the victims are those with underlying ailments), all of these in a place where the health infrastructural underlay is very minimal.

Not only was the only testing centre at Malam Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital closed down briefly, for example, only resuming after a weeklong suspension of testing, basically all other hospitals in the metropolis are shut or barely operating. This applies to all three private hospitals rated as the biggest in Kano: are, Kings Gate and International Clinic.

Although CITAD is not mentioning anything like this, it has reported many mosques still observing congregational prayers in defiance of the state government’s directives to that effect. CITAD reports the observance of Friday congregational prayers this week at Kuyan Ta Inna Juma’at Mosque in Kumbotso Local Government Area in the presence of security personnel. Residents are also said to be breaking adhering to social distancing as advised by the health professionals.

Similarly, markets activities were still ongoing in many places without observing any precautionary measures. Reports from Yan Lemo Market indicated that there are normal activities in the market while traders were also going about their normal activities in the presence of security personnel at Sagemu Unguwar Kwari in Kumbotso Local Government Area. Shops are also open on In zoo road, a major street in Kano town.

Much of the deaths are not in the media at all

Large crowds have been cited at many burial in the city as well as at condolences places where social distancing were not observed just as there are no precautionary measures in handling of the corpses in these burials.

Also in CITAD’s latest situation report is the movement of people with minor checks here and there, with Keke NAPEP riders operating with alleged connivance of the security personnel “who collect money at every check point”.

Above all, inter-state movement is still in full swing, with so much pointing at the collapse of the stay at home order due to what CITAD calls “the government’s inability and citizens I don’t care attitude”. But CITAD did not indicate which government since the current phase of the lockdown in Kano is a federal directive and the FG is expected to police it. Kano is now in the third week of the total lockdown in the state

Meanwhile, according to the CITAD update on the situation signed by Mallam Ali Sabo, its Campaigns and Communications Officer, confirmed cases in the state have continued rising on daily basis, the highest being 80 confirmed cases on April 30th, 2020, making it the state with highest number of confirmed cases in the country after Lagos. CITAD has thus argued that “Given the rate at which the cases are increasing, and the current combined capacity of the isolation spaces in the state which currently is at less 400 bed space, there is urgent need for the State government to quickly convert some structures into isolation centres to accommodate the number of confirmed cases In the state”.

The debate now is whether it is the attitude of the people who are simply observing their deeply ingrained religious consciousness by daring COVID-19 where the restrictions clash with observance of congregational prayers, for instance or the absence of leaders who can calm the multitude in moments of stress. It bears repeating the scenario of Mallam Aminu Kano being still alive and asking the people to observe these restrictions, would the situation CITAD has graphically captured in its situation report been the same?

There is an argument that having alienated themselves by rigging their way into power, stealing the people blind and incompetently organizing governance, the people instinctively resist whatever the political leaders say, even when it is in the interest of the people. This is not specific to Kano but across Nigeria except that Kano had a dissident within the power elite it could have relied upon in moments of stress such as this but they just chucked him out. Now, the falcon cannot hear the falconer and there is no signifier!

Press Statement on the Current Situation of the Lockdown In Kano State By the Centre for Information Technology and Development (XII)

1st May, 2020

Today Friday, the 1st of May, 2020 Kano state residents have entered third week of the total lockdown in the state with only 16 hours partial lifting of the order on the 23rd of April. In this period the confirmed cases in the state continued to surge as more cases are being recorded on daily basis since the resumption of the only testing centre at Malam Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital after a long week of suspending the testing by the centre. Yesterday, the 30th of April, 2020 Kano state recorded the highest number of confirmed cases in the country (80) making it the second state with highest number of confirmed cases in the country after Lagos. This took the tally of the total number of confirmed cases in the state to 219 with 5 fatalities. This was a state that three weeks ago had no any confirmed case of covid-19. As of 17th of April when Kano state government decided to impose the total lockdown, the state had only 27 confirmed cases as against Abuja with 69. Kano state today has 219 confirmed cases while Abuja has 178. The increase of the number of confirmed cases in the state cannot be unrelated with the attitude of the state residents and the negligence by the state government to be more proactive in the fight. In addition, many ugly incidences had happened in the previous weeks which could be avoided, including the contamination of the testing lab, which led to its closure for days, the infection of the medical personnel, including members of the State Task Force Committee on Covid-19 in the state.

OBSERVATIONS:

From our observations in the state we found out that many mosques are still observing congregational prayers in defiance of the state government directives and without adhering to the social distancing as advised by the health professionals. Also, our observers reported that Friday congregational prayer was held at Kuyan Ta Inna Juma’at Mosque in Kumbotso local Government in the presence of security personnel.

Similarly, markets activities were still ongoing in many places without observing any precaution measures. Reports from Yan Lemo Market indicated that there are normal activities in the market, at Sagemu Unguwar Kwari in Kumbotso Local Government traders are also going with their normal activities in the presence of security personnel and without taking any preventive measures. In zoo road, people are facially going about with their businesses with many shops open.

Also large crowds were seen at many burial in the city as well as at condolences places where social distancing were not observed. In addition, there were no precaution about the handling of the corpses in these burials.

However, movements of people are being sighted by our observers in the city. In every major road in the city people are going with their normal movements with some check points here and there. Many reports indicate that still Keke Napep Riders are allowed to operate with connivance of the security personnel who collect money at every check point. Inter-state movement is still not being stopped as people still travel in and out of the state. In summary, the stay at home order has collapsed due to the government inability and citizens I don’t care attitude.

OUR CONCERNS:

CITAD concludes from its observations and assessment that the state government is too slow in its response in curtailing the situation. The state government should be more focused on what it can do than waiting for support from Federal government, wealthy individuals and development partners. In the process, the state is furthering of unnecessary deaths. Security personnel attached to the check points in the state have found lucrative business in the check points. Instead of them to prevent people from violating the lockdown order, they have made their check points a pay and pass gates. While the citizens whose their lives are in great danger, they seen not care about complying with the directives given by the state government and adhering to the advice given by health professionals which is putting their lives every day at great danger.

OUR CALL:

Bases on the situation in the state:

  1. Kano state government to make priority the lives of the state residents
  2. The state government should form a high-level committee that will include traditional and religious leaders to ensure compliance with the stay at home order
  3. Security personnel should desist from collecting bribe at check points and that anyone caught doing so should be disciplined
  4. The residents to respect the government order of staying at home and adhere to the advice given by health professionals
  5. Philanthropists and wealthy individuals to help the most vulnerable people in their areas
  6. Government and other stakeholders should quickly come up with protocols for burials to avoid further mass infections
  7. In order to ensure that other people with non-covid19 related illness are given medical attention, there is the need for government to provide personnel protective equipment (PPEs) and training to all healthcare personnel in the state.
  8. Given the rate at which the cases are increasing, and the current combined capacity of the isolation spaces in the state which currently is at less 400 bed space, there is urgent need for the State government to quickly convert some structures into isolation centres to accommodate the number of confirmed cases In the state.

Ali Sabo

Campaigns and Communication Officer

The Tenth Twitter Chart on Promoting Accountability in Covid-19 Spending With Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, Executive Director Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC)

In continuation of its enlightening program amidst the coronavirus pandemic, the centre for information technology and development (CITAD) has today Wednesday, the 29th of April, 2020 held its 9th twitter chat with Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, the Executive Director, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre who is also the chair, Transparency International in Nigeria. Malam Auwal is an anti-corruption activist, propagate of good governance and accountability who has decades of experience in the civil society struggle.

The twitter chat is part of the Centre for Information Technology and Development efforts in helping the fight against the deadly coronavirus virus in the country which is being held twice every week. In the twitter chat, CITAD uses to invite great personalities from different professions to come and interact with people in the hope of finding solutions to many problems associated with pandemic.

This week the chat focuses on Promoting Accountability in the Covd-19 Spending in the country. As it is the best practice all over the world, accountability is one of the keys to achieving the desired result in every project, without accountability many of the set target goals will not be achieved, money meant for fighting the virus will be siphoned and people assigned to handle the situation will not handle it as they supposed to.

Rafsanjani started by calling on the government at all levels to ensure accountability in dealing with Covid-19 and not use it as a diverted funds or play politics. He also suggested that accountability groups be incorporated to support it. He called on the government to ensure procurement processes follow due process and advised government to desist from sharing fake food items to public which he believe, if it is true, it is deceitful. Mr. Auwal stated that there is need for Civil Society to be fully involve to ensure accountability in the whole process. The guests also advocated for a legal framework that will enable government to prepare for any disaster or pandemic of this nature.

During the interaction, the guest took his time to explain what accountability is and its process, he also responded to questions asked by the participants. Below are some of the questions and comments from the chat:

Good afternoon everyone. Welcome to today’s chat on “Promoting Accountability in the #Covid_19 Spending”. Our speaker is anti-corruption specialist & advocate, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani (@auwal_musa), the Executive Director of @cislacnigeria

.

@ICTAdvocates:

Thank you very much @auwal_musa for joining us today for the chat on promoting accountability in the #COVID19 spending.

 

@AuwalMusa:

Thank you for having me.

 

@ICTAdvocates:

@auwal_musa, we would like to start by asking what your general assessment of the spending to address the #COVID19 pandemic in #Ngeria is

 

 

 

 

@AuwalMusa:

The general assessment is that it hasn’t been as transparent as we want it to be. There are a lot of discrepancies of information coming from the custodians of the funds & how it is being spent…

 

…The task force that was set up doesn’t include the requisite accountability institutions. This poses questions like how transparent & accountable the process has been.

 

It is obvious that the issue of spending on COVID-19 has not met the expectations of Nigerians because so far the targeted vulnerable groups have not been supported with food, water & access to testing facilities.

 

@ICTAdvocates:

Will this have implications on the lockdown now in full force almost everywhere in the country?

 

Since the task force itself lacks accountability mechanism, is that hinting problem in the way funds will be managed and spent @auwal_musa?

 

 

 

@AuwalMusa:

@cislacnigeria

saw this coming at the beginning & that is why we issued a statement demanding for total accountability in the management of #COVID-19. We even suggested inclusion of some govt agencies working on #anticorruption and credible NGOs and media, but…

 

@ICTAdvocates:

Were your recommendations considered?

 

@AuwalMusa:

We are yet to see any implemented.

 

@Sagiru_Ado:

@auwal_musa, wealthy individuals are afraid of making donations because of the lack of transparency and accountability of most of the government machineries at all levels. Sir, what strategies will wealthy people follow to ensure that donations reach the needys?

 

 

 

@AuwalMusa:

My previous response applies here. It is up to the non-state actors to monitor the donations and information given about spending from the committee in order to verify & confirm that the money or items reached the needy.

 

@ICTAdvocates:

@auwal_musa, we have heard about donations made different wealthy individuals,corporate organizations&even government agencies, of course so much money has been realized, how can accountability be ensured in spending the money to address the #COVID19 pandemic in #Nigeria?

 

 

@aUWALmUSA:

It’s a bit reactive in nature to start looking for how accountability will be ensured in the process that we are already thinking of the end. What can be done now is that the @nassnigeria under its oversight mandate should demand an annotated report of the spendings…

 

@ICTAdvocates:

Do you think this is necessary? How will this help in promoting accountability in the spendings to address #COVID19 in the country?

 

 

@AuwalMusa:

You cannot state that the Legislature do not have a stake in the oversight of what happens to an intervention fund housed by the @cenbank running into billions of naira. What then is their oversight job if not majorly to ensure that prudence is applied…

… in the implementation of ANY government engagement.

 

@AuwalMusa:

We are already seeing the implications as some Nigerians do not trust the govt anymore. Promises were made but many are yet to see the manifestation of those promises yet officials keeping saying that they have provided palliatives…

Auwal Musa:

Again, in some places, there were contaminated food items and expired drip were taken to some states and they were rejected.

 

 

 


Salma Abdulwaheed

@ooomiiiii

@auwal_musa, for transparency in distribution of palliatives, what are the proactive measures needed to be put in place for every penny spent?

 

@auwal_musa:

Without the presence of a monitoring team, which is basically the work of CSOs, being proactive in transparency in this process is an illusion. Implementers cannot monitor themselves.

 

@ICTAdvocates:

@auwal_musa, we have heard about donations made different wealthy individuals, corporate organizations & even government agencies, of course so much money has been realized, how can accountability be ensured in spending the money to address the #COVID19 pandemic in #Nigeria?

 

 

 

@auwal_musa:

It’s a bit reactive in nature to start looking for how accountability will be ensured in the process that we are already thinking of the end. What can be done now is that the @nassnigeria under its oversight mandate should demand an annotated report of the spendings …

 

@ICTAdvocates:

Do you think this is necessary? How will this help in promoting accountability in the spendings to address #COVID19 in the country?

 

@auwal_musa:

You cannot state that the Legislature do not have a stake in the oversight of what happens to an intervention fund housed by the @cenbank running into billions of naira. What then is their oversight job if not majorly to ensure that prudence is applied…

 

 

@auwal_musa:

…that occurred throughout the emergency era

@auwal_musa:

When the government or the committee gives details on what they have done with the money or items, non-state actors can start by tracing & monitoring in order to verify & confirm. But if there is no information from the committee then it will be difficult to track the spending

 

@ICTAdvocates:

Is there any role that anti-corruption advocates like you (@auwal_musa) and the larger Nigerian civil society can play in ensuring accountability in the #COVID19 spending?

 

@AuwalMusa:

When the government or the committee gives details on what they have done with the money or items, non-state actors can start by tracing & monitoring in order to verify & confirm. But if there is no information from the committee then it will be difficult to track the spending

 

@ICTAdvocates:

We are halfway in our Twitter Chat on “Promoting Accountability in the #COVID19 Spending in #Nigeria“, we having in the chat, an anti-corruption advocate and Executive Director of @cislacnigeria, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani (@auwal_musa). Questions/comments are welcome

 

 


Salma Abdulwaheed

@ooomiiiii:

@auwal_musa, with all the money donated to Nigeria government! Do Federal Government need to borrow more funds from IMF to fight the Pandemic?

 

  • UNANSWERED

 

@ICTAdvocates:

 

@auwal_musa, we would like to start by asking what your general assessment of the spending to address the #COVID19 pandemic in #Ngeria is

@auwal_musa:

The general assessment is that it hasn’t been as transparent as we want it to be. There are a lot of discrepancies of information coming from the custodians of the funds & how it is being spent…

 

 

@ICTAdvocates:

What are then major loopholes?

 

@auwal_musa:

Desperation to steal, divert palliatives meant for poor Nigerians by some people in govt & the committee which is largely populated by govt officials. Inadequate access to credible information fuelled by lack of transparency & accountability in the process are some of the…

@auwal_musa:

…major loopholes. Also, refusal to include credible NGOs are one of the main reasons for the shortcomings.

 

 

@ICTAdvocates:

To ensure accountability in the #COVID19 spending in #Nigeria, what would you recommend, @auwal_musa?

#StaySafeNigeria #StayHomeStayFit

 

@auwal_musa:

#anticorruption activists can play a key role to ensure transparent & accountable management & utilization of resources under COVID-19 spending through tracking procurement, direct distribution of palliatives (food & cash) to communities. These can be monitored & documented

 

@auwal_musa:

Again, NGOs can verify claims from the government or committee.

 

@ChiromaHope, This is in response to your question

Quote Tweet

Auwal Musa

@auwal_musa

When the government or the committee gives details on what they have done with the money or items, non-state actors can start by tracing & monitoring in order to verify & confirm. But if there is no information from the committee then it will be difficult to track the spending

 

 

@auwal_musa:

Sir, now that these details are not in public domain, where do we start our engagement as civic actors?

 

As civic actors, we need to start by compelling the govt to make this information public. And the information must be timely and legit otherwise we will have speculations, fake news & distortion of reality.

@ChiromaHope:

Thank you for the response!

 

 

@auwal_musa, we would like to start by asking what your general assessment of the spending to address the #COVID19 pandemic in #Ngeria is

 

@auwal_musa:

The general assessment is that it hasn’t been as transparent as we want it to be. There are a lot of discrepancies of information coming from the custodians of the funds & how it is being spent…

@auwal_musa:

…The task force that was set up doesn’t include the requisite accountability institutions. This poses questions like how transparent & accountable the process has been.

@ICTAdvocates:

Since the task force itself lacks accountability mechanism, is that hinting problem in the way funds will be managed and spent @auwal_musa?

 

@AuwalMusa:

Saw this coming at the beginning & that is why we issued a statement demanding for total accountability in the management of #COVID-19. We even suggested inclusion of some govt agencies working on #anticorruption and credible NGOs and media, but…

 

…probably because there was an agenda to block information about spending, we didn’t see the application of these suggestions.

 

 

 

@auwal_musa:

In the absence of checks and balances that would have been brought to the table by these institutions, abuse is then inevitable

 

@ICTAdvocates:

Were your recommendations considered?

 

@AuwalMusa:

We are yet to see any implemented.

@auwal_musa:

 

…probably because there was an agenda to block information about spending, we didn’t see the application of these suggestions.

@auwal_musa:

In the absence of checks and balances that would have been brought to the table by these institutions, abuse is then inevitable

So far the approach towards ensuring a proper accountability of the funds has gone wrong, so sir what will be your recommendations as to how this wrong can be corrected?

 

@ICTAdvocates:

@auwal_musa, So far the approach towards ensuring a proper accountability of the funds has gone wrong, so sir what will be your recommendations as to how this wrong can be corrected?

 

@auwal_musa:

First, the committee needs to re-organise itself to include critical stakeholders that were initially left out. Let them release timely information on what govt is doing and what spending has been done or will be done in terms of purchase of medicine, palliatives, etc…

@auwal_musa:

…They should also ensure that the procurement process follows due process. Also, let the govt desist from sharing fake food items. If true then it is deceitful. The media and CSOs need to be fully involved to ensure accountability in the entire management of #COVID19

 

@UmmiDaudaBagari:

@auwal_musa, what contribution can we, as young women in this part of the country offer in promoting transparency and accountability in the management of public resources?

 

 

@auwal_musa:

One of the ways is to work with an organised platform that can get credible information & data. Then you can monitor & track the government’s claim with pictorial evidence or videos. As individuals, you cannot do anything, hence the need to work with a credible platform

 

 

 

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