This past week has, on multiple occasions, seen me scurry to the closest gas station to buy fuel for the generator.
Why?
Because Nigeria can’t boast a steady power supply even in the Federal Capital Territory where I reside.
In the event that the Federal Government imposes a lockdown, scampering around to buy fuel as soon as the generator runs out will be quite difficult.
Here we go again… same old story!
It is indeed shameful and distasteful, to say the least!
How do we cope with a lockdown, with no electricity, and no means to follow up on news and happenings around us?
At a time like this, most people, including journalists will have to work from home. But how do we keep up with the constant need of going out to buy fuel just so that we can meet up with work demands?
It is pitiful that Nigerians have had to endure this appalling treatment for so long. No matter how hard we cry or how much we complain, the chances of things changing any time soon are bleak.
Funny enough, the same lawmakers responsible for our unpleasant situations are the ones proposing a ban on generators, knowing fully well that the nation can’t boast steady power supply for her citizens.
As a matter of fact, I don’t think anybody enjoys the sound of generators.
Personally, I will gladly pack up my generator and dump it where my eyes will never see, provided the power supply is stable enough!
How do we get fuel during a lockdown?
Imagine having to rush out, not to get food for your family, but rather to get food for a generator that will most likely become hungry again within a couple of hours.
Do people also have to stockpile fuel the same way they are stockpiling foodstuffs? However, that is highly dangerous, as it can quickly aggravate a fire outbreak.
Perhaps, the government will have to list going out to buy fuel among the ESSENTIALS in the event that a nationwide lockdown becomes the last resort.
That way, the police or military will not harras people going out to buy fuel for generators or kerosene for their stoves.
However, that will end up seeing a lot of people going out because nobody wants to stay locked down in a blackout. And if that happens, the whole ‘social distancing’ goal will be defeated.
Therefore, I’m afraid, we’ll all have to endure a “coronavirus lockdown in a blackout”.