By Constance Meju
What has changed in our Coronavirus history to warrant this military directive.
WHO and UN Human Rights Commission demand that human rights be respected and lockdowns must be time specific.
Gov Wike, I have been in support of your moves to curtail this virus but this total lockdown when others are easing the lockdown is not in the interest of the people.
We have been enduring the hardships without palliatives and power supply. Residents are families struggling with this burden who demand commendation and consideration. Rivers State has operated without a legal market obviously responsible for the illegal markets you find very annoying. Some states opened food banks, others designated days and times for markets to be open because in trying to save lives, you must build in their needs.
Am worried as a mother and one who works with people. You must have heard that nursing mothers are collapsing from hunger and unable to breastfeed their babies, the physically challenged are not being taken care of and many are not accessing healthcare services because of existing lockdowns.
Please reflect and revisit your plan. We have made our facemasks in readiness for the gentle easing of the lockdown. Please do not frighten us the more.
Constance Meju
Center for Media Environment and Development Communications, Port Harcourt.