The COVID-19 situation has exposed many deficiencies in the running of the world. Some nations have fared far less favourably than others, and Nigeria is being exposed for what she is: an underdeveloped 60-year old nation.
The federal government has turned beggar; banks are sending out text messages soliciting mere citizens to pay a donation into accounts which numbers they inform. No finesse at all.
Banks, large corporations and wealthy individuals who have government patronage as a common denominator appear eager to make billion-Naira donations. In return for more patronage maybe.
Had we spent the last 60 years building schools and hospitals, we would not be in this position. Our people ignorantly disobey guidelines laid out for our lockdown/curfew, while certain states deny deaths are from Covid-19. Yet, the numbers are alarming. So we cannot even believe the figures we are being told by NCDC. Luckily though, the virus appears not to have taken root here.
We have created Isolation Centres containing beds but not enough ventilators or other equipment. Most of these appear to have come through private donation. What has been the financial input of federal government?
The distribution of comforting food and money is heavily skewed to the North; an area that has done little in 60 years to raise standards of living and education. This major lapse is a national embarrassment. When do we start to correct this?
I believe that these, signal an end to business as usual. Oil proceeds are down, pay conditions for elected officers disgracefully high. The mere sight of the BMW limousine of the governor of Akwa Ibom begs the question; is he not a public servant?
As a nation, we now need to focus on developing new systems of production and manufacturing, raise budgets for education and health which today are less than that for just National Assembly pay. We need to restructure government, whittle down the powers of President (to Prime Minister), reduce to one national parliament, strip governors of their powers. In effect, a new Constitution.
