COVID19 PANDEMIC AND ITS POLITICIZATION IN NIGERIA: A CRITICAL REFLECTION

Abstract

In the wake of the rapidly spreading novel coronavirus (COVID-19), with its debilitating effects on humanity, the Nigerian government launched a social distancing campaign, restricting movements in certain parts of the country. The government also encouraged self-isolation for Nigerians returning from high-risk countries. A major aspect of Nigeria’s approach to the COVID-19 pandemic has been the prohibition of gatherings that exceed 30-50 people, including worship places and all forms of social events. With much surprise, many Nigerians have continued to defy the state’s directives. Despite the lockdown with its warnings on public gathering; churches and mosques opened their doors for worship, fun lovers continued with their normal parties and clubbed like nothing was happening around them. When questioned about their refusal to follow precautionary measures established by the government, most of them dismissed the reality of the disease. Some of the reasons being that several Nigerians perceive the virus to be an attempt by political elites to create an emergency and siphon public money; again, there is no trace for the so-called confirmed cases. It is an opportunity to steal public money.’ The preceded idea was buttressed by Adeola (2020) when he said, Nigeria’s hot temperature may suppress spread of disease. This is because the usual hot temperature in the country spells danger to disease just unlike the influenza virus which thrived better under cold climates. Hot temperature which many see as almost unbearable may be a blessing in disguise which can come in handy for the Federal Government in the battle to stop the spread of corona virus. This is as tropical weather is capable of suppressing the virus. (p.1). Therefore, the purpose of this study is to point out how covid19 pandemic has been politicized in Nigeria and how it has affected Nigerians and their loyalty to the government; because there is already a yawning gap in trust and accountability between citizens and the government of Nigeria. Data collection method for this research is mostly secondary data collection. The research concludes with reviewing of elite’s theory as a kind of problematic system of political power holding among few members of political leaders, which has contributed immense problems in Nigerian polity; and our political leaders must avoid and choose to be more democratic.