"There is frustration, anger among people over lockdown, food," – Northern elders tell govt

“Promises are not being honoured, leading to erosion of faith in authorities by citizens and violations of lockdown orders.
“There is rising frustration and anger among the population which all governments must address immediately. Resources must be released to enable distribution of food and other essentials in a transparent manner.
“Northern Elders Forum commiserates with Nigerians over the various effects of the COVID-19 pandemic which is now threatening lives and livelihood and causing unprecedented concerns and misery among the population.
” The forum notes the efforts of governments at containing the spread of this virus and notes further that the nation should have been better prepared to deal with it. It commends the contributions of individuals and corporate bodies that have made major contributions towards managing the effects of the pandemic and reducing hardships occasioned by it.
“We also commend the restraint and discipline of Nigerians who have heeded to the instructions and advise of the authorities to adopt measures that have greatly limited their abilities to pursue legitimate livelihoods as well as their freedom.
“The forum sympathises with families of Nigerians who lost lives as a result of the virus, and joins millions in praying for their recovery
While acknowledging that efforts of the federal and state governments in containing the spread of the virus, the forum expressed concern that the absence of any serious effort by federal and state governments to cushion the effects of the necessary restrictions imposed on citizens is raising doubts over the effectiveness of these measures to contain the spread the virus.
A statement signed by the convener of the forum, Professor Ango Abdullahi, in Kaduna on Thursday, has said.