From rumors that the President of Russia; Vladimir Putin released a hundred lions on the streets of Moscow, to keep people indoors during the lockdown, to the French government issuing up to 123 euros (N52,ooo), in fines for those caught violating lockdown rules, it seems a lot of governments all over the world are employing all sorts of strategy to make its citizens adhere to the lockdown and social distancing protocols they have put in place. In Nigeria however, the government has had a hard time enforcing its own lockdown instructions. Perhaps, with the exception of officials like Governor Nyesom Wike.

I like this Wike's style! ? On the streets, enforcing a state-wide lock-down. Even if he's faking it, it will be in record he stepped out.

Nobody is perfect but some people are pushing themselves beyond their comfort zones, and that's what leadership is all about. pic.twitter.com/SfqYoY6AGu

— AyeMojubar ? (@ayemojubar) May 8, 2020

With the appalling display of complete negligence to social distancing rules in Kano, which has led to an upsurge in reported Coronavirus cases in the state, the complaints about Lagosians disregarding lockdown protocols by picking off business as usual from where they left off, crowded bank queues at the ease of lockdown, to the disregard of social distancing by even Government officials during the funeral of a colleague. It would seem that Nigerians are not yet sold on the urgency of this lockdown and the dangers of ignoring it, and with the government being lax on the enforcement of same, many Nigerians have largely had a ‘free day’ doing what they like.

The case was different in Rivers today as Nigerians took to Twitter, commending Governor Nyesom Wike for his no-nonsense approach to enforcing the lockdown as videos of lockdown violators receiving punishment, surfaced online. From border control to mass arrests, the Governor trended for more than half of the day, especially for personally stepping out to make sure that citizens not only complied with the rules but that the law enforcement agents, who have a habit of taking undue advantage of such situations, act according to the law.

Gov. Wike no dey joke with this lockdown. I can’t stop laughing???pic.twitter.com/XUqEu08Kq4

— Omoniyi Israel (@__Omoissy) May 8, 2020

Governor Wike monitors lockdown, personally arrests 14 Fulani Herdsmen hidden in trailer conveying cows from the North into Rivers State

The Herdmen are to be tested for coronavirus and prosecuted while the cows and trailer would be auctioned. pic.twitter.com/7AmwYbNxby

— Port Harcourt Media. (P) (@PH_Promoter) May 8, 2020

COVID-19: Gov Wike Arrests Lockdown Violators pic.twitter.com/pAKvzX9prE

— Punch Newspapers (@MobilePunch) May 8, 2020

 

And of course, it wouldn’t be a Twitter trend if people didn’t come with fun.

Gov Wike chasing violators in Rivers.pic.twitter.com/FissQoJ5HG

— Adunni Achebe (@_Adadioramma) May 8, 2020