The Coronavirus by now is something the whole world is familiar with, and whether or not one has had a running with this illness, it can’t be overstated just how much every single person in the world has been affected by the pandemic, from the restriction on schooling, sporting activities and large gatherings to suspension of economic activities; everyone has in some way paid a price for this outbreak.

But lately, it would seem that the fear which drove people to be compliant with regulatory protocols is suddenly beginning to vanish. What was once feared to be reminiscent of the Influenza and projected to have similar effects on humanity is now being lumped in the same category as Malaria or Typhoid.

Open up the hospitals to normal business!
Open up the schools!
Open up the places of worship!
Open up the economy!

If we didn't stop the economy for Malaria+Typhoid and HIV then let people who contract Covid be treated normally. This lie needs to stop. #StopCovidLies

— PSHEGS (@pshegs) May 26, 2020

For the rest of the world, especially a country like the United States, who have reported their cases in the millions, it is uncertain why they are pushing for the reopening of schools and businesses, as they seem to be suffering heavy causalities, and as such should not be eager to ease their lockdown. But for Nigerians our impatience and willingness to risk it all is as a result of a Government that seems not to care.

With #backtoschool trending on Twitter earlier today and now stop the StopCovidLies, it has become evident that Nigerian are not only exhausted from staying at home, but exhausted with questions on transparency and accountability on the issue.

Our politicians are now our biggest problem. In d rise of a pandemic, all they still know to do best is still corruption… Nigeria WHY #StopCovidLies

— Shore (@ToluOmisore) May 26, 2020

Behind this trend is a disbelief that the NCDC is not completely transparent with the Covid-19 situation stats. While many people can agree that the novel Covid-19 virus that is plaguing the world is by no means a hoax, Nigerians are becoming increasingly uncertain of the authenticity of the NCDC reports, and the existence of Corona Virus in Nigeria.

Our leaders have become the biggest Yahoo boys cashing out anyhow all in the name of Covid19. #StopCovidLies
NCDC Scam pic.twitter.com/C98eWw9Wqf

— BitterSweet (@BitterS79636057) May 26, 2020

A lot of Nigerians have become accustomed to the idea that a good number of its political class lie, so they have little reason, even in a situation like this, to believe anything the government says.

If that is not enough reason, during the lockdown, the government has failed with its relief efforts, and has proven unwilling to aid Nigerians who as a result of the lock down have become unable to feed themselves, leaving private bodies instead to pick up their slack. These reasons have made Nigerians unperceptive to the potential threat that could result from a full outbreak. As one man clearly put it: “hunger virus is worse that Coronavirus,” and this lately has become the mentality of so many Nigerians.

I think Susan Idoko knows more. That's why she is still being held hostage after 55 days now all in the name of the virus..
The virus is real but everything in this country ends up being a money gain train.#StopCovidLies

— CenT? (@centchuks03) May 26, 2020

If this wasn’t enough, videos surfacing on social media, showing abandoned, incomplete and incompetent isolation centres have further stoked the idea that the COVID-19 existence in Nigeria is just another scam from the government.

Abandoned Isolation center in kano, about 2 days ago.
Did everyone get well?
If yes, Hallelujah! ???
If not, where are the #NCDC getting their figures from? ??
Abi na just estimates? Of #covid19 cases? Like really?
Or is this all a prank? Or half-baked lies?#StopCovidLies pic.twitter.com/AVH78MtSkQ

— Realist (@red_naija) May 26, 2020