Metro
COVID-19 Aid: ‘How Can Nigerians Trust Politicians When Politicians Don’t Trust One Another?’
A political squabble over the distribution of aid to Nigerians struggling during the COVID-19 lockdown exposes the crisis of trust in Nigerian politics, a digital democracy campaigner believes.
A number of high profile Nigerian politicians have publically criticised the delivery and transparency of support payments made to those affected by the coronavirus crisis using the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP).
Among them was National Assembly member Ben Kalu. Speaking in a televised interview he said:
“We are supposed to feel the impact now. The poor should feel the impact of this programme… there are 360 of us (assembly members) and all of them are saying we are not feeling the impact.
“Who are you paying this money to?.. you said you paid 100 people from my constituency, we can’t see them. Are they ghosts? Are you paying ghosts?”
Senate President Ahmed Lawan has also criticised a lack of co-ordination in the COVID-19 relief effort, stating:
“I believe that we face one critical challenge today in our fight against COVID-19. We have donations made by various organisations, corporate bodies and so on but it is my candid opinion that there is no coordination,” Presidential advisor Hajiya Maryam Uwais hit back, claiming that critics of the programme were motivated only by the desire to personally choose which if their residents received support, claiming:
“The demand for the inclusion of candidates to the NSR from the NASS has been a recurring issue from the inception of the NSIPs”.
Digital democracy campaigner and technology entrepreneur Joel Popoola believes the quarrel demonstrates a crisis of trust in Nigerian politics.
Joel is the creator of Rate Your Leader app. The app is designed to help politicians engage directly with voters and build relationships of trust with the electorate, as well as transmitting important information to them.
The app also allows votes to identify and contact their representatives at the touch of a button, direct from their phones or tablets – and rate them for their responsiveness.
Joel said:
“How can Nigerian’s supposed to trust their politicians when Nigeria’s politicians don’t trust each other?
“Lawmakers find themselves in an unprecedented situation. Of course there are going to be delays getting help to people that need it most as our government scrambles to create new and complex social programmes overnight. On the other hand, legitimate scrutiny of their performance and the final destination of this money should not be seen as being motivated only by personal greed.
“Rate Your Leader was created to develop relationships of trust between electors and elected, but in a time of national crisis our lawmakers need to set a much better example by working together in the national interest.
“Our politics needs more trust, and at Rate Your Leader our aim is helping that trust to take root and grow”.
Rate Your Leader, is always free app to residents and allows voters to communicate directly with elected representatives in a way which makes abuse impossible, as well as rating them for responsiveness. The app is available from the Apple and Google Marketplaces.
The Lagos State Security Trust Fund has intensified support for community-based security with the donation of 100 anti-riot kits and 1,000 pairs of operational boots to the Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency.
The high quality modern equipment was presented on behalf of the Executive Secretary/CEO, Dr. Ayodele Ogunsan, by the Director of Administration, Mr. Adegbola Lewis, to the General Manager of LNSA, Dr. Ifalade Oyekan, at the Agency’s headquarters in Oshodi.
The Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Agency plays a critical role in grassroots security as they support the police through intelligence gathering, routine patrols, and community policing initiatives across all local government areas in the state. The Corps is also tasked with maintaining law and order, detecting suspicious activities, and fostering safety awareness within communities.
The intervention is expected to further strengthen neighbourhood-level security architecture and deepen collaboration between communities and formal law enforcement agencies in State.
The Federal government has declared Friday, May 1, a public holiday to commemorate this year’s International Workers’ Day.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the announcement on behalf of the government.
In a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Magdalene Ajani, the minister congratulated workers nationwide, commending their commitment and contributions to national development.
He noted that the dedication of Nigerian workers remains vital to the country’s growth and economic progress, urging them to sustain values of patriotism, productivity and diligence.
Tunji-Ojo also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare, enhancing security and creating an enabling environment for economic expansion.
He called on Nigerians to remain peaceful and law-abiding during the celebration, encouraging citizens to reflect on the importance of unity and hard work in nation-building.
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has expressed concern over the rising pressure on workers’ welfare and economic conditions of the country.
The Congress warned that it would embark on nationwide protest, if there is no improvement.
The warning was conveyed in in a communiqué jointly signed by the TUC President, Mr. Festus Osifo, and Secretary-General, Mr. Nuhu Toro, at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja.
The Congress said the NEC meeting reviewed the state of the nation, developments within the congress, preparations for the 2026 May Day celebration, and other critical issues affecting Nigerian workers.
“The prevailing economic hardship has significantly affected the living standards of Nigerian workers, making daily survival increasingly difficult.
“We are closely monitoring the situation, and if there is no improvement, the congress will have no option but to mobilise workers in defence of their welfare.
“Government must urgently take concrete steps to address the rising cost of living and restore confidence in the economy,” it said.
The Congress said rising fuel prices, inflation, electricity tariff increases and insecurity had combined to erode workers’ purchasing power and living standards.
It noted that global developments, including the Iran–U.S. conflict, were further worsening economic pressures through higher energy costs and supply chain disruptions.
According to the TUC, Nigerian workers have not benefited from higher global oil prices but continue to face rising costs of transportation, food and essential services.
It urged the Federal Government to deploy excess crude revenue to cushion economic shocks and support vulnerable citizens.
The congress also called for urgent measures to stabilise fuel prices, improve electricity supply, and address insecurity nationwide.
It emphasised the need for policies that promote decent work, job security and social protection.
“The government must prioritise the welfare, dignity and security of Nigerian workers in all policy decisions,” it said.
The TUC further called for tax relief for manufacturing companies and workers to ease economic pressure and stimulate productivity.
On electricity, it condemned repeated tariff increases without improved service delivery and demanded fair pricing, universal metering, and an end to estimated billing.
The congress expressed concern over rising insecurity, describing it as a major threat to economic activities and workers’ safety.
It urged government at all levels to adopt coordinated, intelligence-driven strategies to protect lives, farms, businesses and critical infrastructure.
“A stitch in time saves nine,” the communiqué added.
