When you do the right thing the wrong way, you're basically doing the wrong thing. This lockdown is the right way to control the spread of this virus, but Nigeria has it's own peculiarities and we can't enforce it exactly like Western countries.
Don't be fooled into thinking Nigeria is a poor country. Nigeria isn't poor, it is Nigerians that are poor, not the country itself. Nigeria's wealth is not meant for Nigerians and that's the sad truth. Unfortunately, those at the top (and even some middle-class citizens) can't see beyond their comfort zone.
Asking these poor people to stay at home without anything to eat is wickedness. People like okada riders live from hand to mouth. What about those carriers in our markets? Cab drivers who don't even own the cab they drive? Bus conductors who depend on their daily earnings to eat? There are millions of people like this.
The government said they are distributing palliatives to the poorest citizens but it's obvious this is inadequate. It has even been said that people in charge of this are even sitting on it. The Nigerian system is purposely designed to kill your spirits, beg for what is rightfully yours, kill your dreams, make you become unpatroitic and angry, and destroy you.
If you think this type of lockdown is the right thing to do and the poor have to just stop complaining and deal with it, you are out of touch with reality and the little comfort you enjoy has blinded you. When things get out of hand, the poor will invade anyone, hunger will activate that animal instincts for survival we all have. We might end up having a societal issue much bigger than this virus.
Don't get me wrong, this lockdown is the right way to curtail the spread of COVID-19 if done right, but when the poor can't stand the hunger anymore, the total breakdown in law and order will benefit no one. COVID-19 would become only a secondary problem.
Hunger and anger is a terrible combination.
I'm just keeping my fingers crossed hoping the government would care for the poor during this lockdown and beef up security at the same time.
Unfortunately, people in power are known for their gross irresponsibility and nonchalance.