STATE OF THE NATION ON COVID-19

20^th April, 2020

The leaderships of the WEST AFRICAN ASSOCIATION OF SMALL BUSINESS OPERATORS (WASSBO), YOUNG FOUNDATIONLINE FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT (YFSD)and HERITAGE OF PEACE & JUSTICE INITIATIVE (HPJI) observe with keen interest the happenings in our Dear Country (Nigeria) since the breakdown of the novel COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria and the world at large.

Both Federal and State Governments have imposed Total Lock down in many cities and towns and the Inter State travel ban across the Country in order to curtail the spread of the pandemic thereby, containing the already infected ones.

It’s a known fact that, no country of the world foresaw and/or prepared for the coming of the pandemic nor provide any medical remedy for it (in form of vaccine or medication) but that does not deter Governments from providing succor for the citizenry in the form of palliatives.

As at today, about 665 persons are infected with the deadly COVID-19 (including those discharged and deaths) and many more cases are coming on daily basis, that why it was declared a Global emergency.

With the above we are calling on the attention of Governments at all levels to as a matter of urgent National importance to consider the following:

a. There is urgent need to look at the plight of the common man because many people are leaving hand-to-mouth especially the MSMEs and the downtrodden members of the society. The last disbursement of cash (CCT) only captured the available “social register” of the Government not the entire poor & vulnerable populace. It is worthy of note that at a time like this virtually 90% of Nigerians are poor & vulnerable by necessity.

b. While we always call the attention of the generality of the Nigeria people to observe the protocol set aside by the Government through the relevant authorities, particularly the Ministry of Health and the NCDC. We also draw the attention of the relevant authorities particularly the security to seriously monitor their Officers & Men stationed at the Borders and Inter-State boundaries because many people are complaining of sharp practices going on at those places across the Country and people are still travelling to and from various States. Even the agreed foodstuff vendors are not finding it easy with security agencies at the boundaries.

c. Businesses are dying off especially those at the grassroots because that is where the real poor & vulnerable coexist and as it is now, they are selling the little commodities they have to feed themselves, and in the end after the pandemic all of them will not be in business again which will result to another round of unemployment. Therefore, Government has the responsibility to immediately support them to avoid a state of anomie, adequate attention should therefore be given to above without delay.

d. We call on Governments at all levels to consider the plight of the supporting informal security (Vigilante Group of Nigeria, Neighborhood watch, Community Police, Man O War, etc) because they are playing an indispensable role in enforcing the lock down along with all other protocols put in by the Government at the community levels. Since they are not on any form of remuneration as volunteers serving with passion and patriotism, there is need for adequate compensation for them before any form of complaints starts from their end.

In the end we pledge our profound loyalty to the Nigerian State and we are ever ready to give our relentless support within our mandate in order to fight this deadly pandemic.

SIGNED

ALI ALI OSAZE OSEMWEGIE OBASEKI ADAM IBRAHIM

08035928562 08037682756 07067677891

WASSBO YFSD HPJI