The negative effect of the coronavirus pandemic on Nigeria and Nigerians will take time to ascertain. Given the devastating effect it has on poor Nigerians, the federal government, national and international foundations as well as wealthy individuals donated palliatives to cushion the effects.
Sadly, many governors decided not to distribute them to their people who were suffering from hunger.
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Worst still, some of the palliatives were found in open markets being sold out. The Commissioner of Police in Kano, Habu Sani, said between July 23 and September 8, his officers recovered diverted palliatives, meant for Benue state, being sold in markets in the state.
No wonder, hoodlums who took advantage of the EndSARS protests went out attacking warehouses where these items were kept.
I am still wondering how on earth will a governor keep these palliatives in stores leaving his people hungry. Where is their conscience, magnanimity, empathy and sympathy? These governors have no justification whatsoever to keep the palliatives in their stores.
These happenings have made us to understand that most of our governors, whom we voted joyfully and willingly to the helm of affairs in our states with the hope that they will put our well-being as their topmost priority have turned out to be our enemies.
I call on these governors to stop beating around the bush and accept the fact that they have failed us. It is high time for them to rethink and change the way they are governing their state. 2023 is fast approaching, you either change or we change you.
Bilyaminu Gambo Kong-kol, Department of Mass Communication, Bayero University, Kano ([email protected])
