‘COVID-19 is a Big Scam’

With much surprise, many Nigerians have continued to defy the state directives. As at last week, churches and mosques opened their doors for worship, fun-lovers continued with their normal parties and clubbed like nothing was happening around them. When questioned about their refusal to follow precautionary measures established by the government, most of them dismissed the reality of the disease. One of the reasons being that several Nigerians perceive the virus to be an attempt by political elites to create an emergency and siphon public money. For example, a middle-aged respondent confidently told reporters with Legit.ng that he is a scientist and can confirm that, ‘Nigeria’s weather is so harsh for Coronavirus to survive…no individual has the virus in the country…there is no trace for the so-called confirmed cases…it is an opportunity to steal our money.’