Two Lagos-base lawyers, Isaiah Odje and Adebayo Johnson, say the
partial easing of lockdown in Lagos, against the spread of novel
coronavirus at this time, “is not safe for residents”.
The lawyers spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in
separate interviews on Thursday in Lagos.
NAN reports that President Muhammadu Buhari had on Monday
announced the relaxation of the lockdown in Lagos, Ogun and Federal
Capital Territory (FCT) from May 4, after four weeks of movement
restriction.
Mr Odje of the Odje Chambers said that easing the lockdown in
Lagos, at this time, was not the best decision.
“It is risky and may result in more casualties.
“With the way people will rush out from Monday for work and
other engagements, I fear the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases
will double in few days.
“Although Lagos State Government has announced that its workers
from levels one to 12 should work from home, what of federal and
private workers and other individuals?’’ Odje said.
According to him, there are people who have this virus
unknowingly because it is yet to show any symptoms.
“By the time we mingle with them inside buses, in offices and
other places, the virus will keep spreading.’’
He observed that many Lagos residents have not been complying
fully with the stay-at-home order in the last four weeks and that
was why the cases kept increasing.
“People move around on the street without observing social
distancing; some even play football.
“The restriction order is only obeyed on major highways.
“Though many people are broke, but being broke is better than
being infected with a deadly virus; prevention is better than
cure.
“This is the time for people to take their safety into their own
hands, observe precautionary measures, COVID-19 is real,’’ Odje
told NAN.
Another lawyer, Mr Johnson, said that the relaxation of the
lockdown was dangerous as Lagos would record more confirmed cases
and even deaths because of its population.
“It is not safe to ease lockdown at this point in time because
Lagos is over-crowded.
“We are at home for over four weeks and cases are increasing, it
may get worse when the lockdown is lifted on Monday,’’ Johnson told
NAN.
He urged Lagos residents to fully comply with the directives of
the Federal and State Government.
“For the sake of the health of the nation, let us obey the
instructions of the governments.
“Although it may not be easy, we must understand that there is
time for everything and now is the time.
“This is a time of trials and sacrifice and we must learn to
give government support to overcome this situation.
“Let ask God for the restoration of our lives, health and
economy.’’ (NAN)
Two Lagos-base lawyers, Isaiah Odje and Adebayo Johnson, say the
partial easing of lockdown in Lagos, against the spread of novel
coronavirus at this time, “is not safe for residents”.
The lawyers spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in
separate interviews on Thursday in Lagos.
NAN reports that President Muhammadu Buhari had on Monday
announced the relaxation of the lockdown in Lagos, Ogun and Federal
Capital Territory (FCT) from May 4, after four weeks of movement
restriction.
Mr Odje of the Odje Chambers said that easing the lockdown in
Lagos, at this time, was not the best decision.
“It is risky and may result in more casualties.
“With the way people will rush out from Monday for work and
other engagements, I fear the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases
will double in few days.
“Although Lagos State Government has announced that its workers
from levels one to 12 should work from home, what of federal and
private workers and other individuals?’’ Odje said.
According to him, there are people who have this virus
unknowingly because it is yet to show any symptoms.
“By the time we mingle with them inside buses, in offices and
other places, the virus will keep spreading.’’
He observed that many Lagos residents have not been complying
fully with the stay-at-home order in the last four weeks and that
was why the cases kept increasing.
“People move around on the street without observing social
distancing; some even play football.
“The restriction order is only obeyed on major highways.
“Though many people are broke, but being broke is better than
being infected with a deadly virus; prevention is better than
cure.
“This is the time for people to take their safety into their own
hands, observe precautionary measures, COVID-19 is real,’’ Odje
told NAN.
Another lawyer, Mr Johnson, said that the relaxation of the
lockdown was dangerous as Lagos would record more confirmed cases
and even deaths because of its population.
“It is not safe to ease lockdown at this point in time because
Lagos is over-crowded.
“We are at home for over four weeks and cases are increasing, it
may get worse when the lockdown is lifted on Monday,’’ Johnson told
NAN.
He urged Lagos residents to fully comply with the directives of
the Federal and State Government.
“For the sake of the health of the nation, let us obey the
instructions of the governments.
“Although it may not be easy, we must understand that there is
time for everything and now is the time.
“This is a time of trials and sacrifice and we must learn to
give government support to overcome this situation.
“Let ask God for the restoration of our lives, health and
economy.’’ (NAN)