The Gilt Comes Off: Singapore Goes Into Lockdown

A clean, technology driven dystopia.  A representation of our techno future.  These were the introductory descriptions to a piece by science fiction author William Gibson on Singapore for Wired in 1993.  “Imagine an Asian version of Zurich operating as an offshore capsule at the foot of Malaysia; an affluent microcosm whose citizens inhabit something that […]

Cote d’Ivoire: Hortense Kone’s Headache during 2020 COVID-19 Lockdown

When COVID-19 lockdown restrictions hit Côte d’Ivoire last year, the main headache of Hortense Koné, manager of a small restaurant in Abobo Belleville, north of the country’s economic capital Abidjan, was how to pay her water and electricity bills. But a decision by the Ivorian government to cover water and electricity bills for households in […]

Snap Decisions: Victoria’s Third Lockdown

The Queen Victoria Market in Australia’s second largest city, Melbourne, is usually a thriving affair.  Like any ancient agora, people travel to meet there, purchase fresh produce, and natter.  The fruit and vegetable vendors are all colour, a profusion of smells and noise.  The meat market heaves with patrons keen to snap up deals; the […]

If You Don’t Wear Mask, Maintain Social Distancing, We Will Lockdown – FG

The Presidency has expressed worry over the reports of non-compliance with the just signed Executive Order that makes mask-wearing and observation of social distancing in the public mandatory, appealing to Nigerians to give their maximum cooperation for the success of the policy. Presidential Spokesperson, Garba Shehu in a statement said Buhari introduced the “order with […]

Rights Group: Security Forces Used Excessive Force during EndSARS Protests, COVID-19 Lockdown

In its 2021 World Report, Human Rights Watch, a global rights group says EndSARS protesters were harassed and attacked by security forces and armed thugs in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city, and some states. According to the group, on October 20, social media footage showing men identified as military officers shooting at peaceful protesters in Lagos sparked […]

Lagos cautions of second wave of COVID-19

Lagos State Government has appealed to citizens to strictly adhere to measures against COVID-19. The government warned that a second wave of the pandemic may cause another lockdown of the economy. Akin Abayomi, Commissioner for Health, spoke to the media on Tuesday. Abayomi decried continuous flagrant disregard for protocols, warning that violation of safety guidelines […]

Breaking: FG Orders Reopening Of All Schools

Finally, the Federal Government has ordered the reopening of all schools in Nigeria. According to Premium Times, the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu made the announcement during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday. The minister advised all institutions to obey and adhere to the guidelines for the reopening of schools, earlier announced by the […]

Permitted Unlawfulness: The New Zealand Coronavirus Lockdown

“Limitation is essential to authority.  A government is legitimate only if it is effectively limited.” Lord Acton It is a study both troublesome and perplexing.  To what end can a state trample on human rights ostensibly to preserve such objects a public health?  The coronavirus lockdowns have become a feature of global politics and relentless […]

Stop lockdown of the economy, Federal Lawmaker Obidigwe urges FG

Against the backdrop of the extension of the eased lockdown by four weeks, the Federal Government has been advised to open up the economy completely to enable the local economy to flourish. The advice came from the Member representing Anambra East and West Federal Constituency in National Assembly, Chinedu Obidigwe during a press interview. According […]

BBNaija Lockdown Update: Eric, Tochi Evicted

TV Reality TV Show BBNaija held it’s second eviction which saw the exit of Eric and Tochukwu for the Night. Host Ebuka started the evening by calling out the names of the housemates up for eviction this week, including Kaisha and TrickyTee who completed the four housemates. Tochi’s Eviction Amidst high tension the host announced […]