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NOVEL REVOLUTION: Balancing Public Safety, Economy and Peace in Plateau State By Majority Hassan

A Social Revolution is a popular uprising that transforms an existing socio-economic and political order. It may be rapid or slow and either violent or peaceful. Social revolutions usually have an onset which is usually associated with:

• Lack of Economic development
• Regime type and
• State ineffectiveness

Back to the Plateau:

While the State government is interested in addressing public health concerns and avoiding the tendency of a revolt by its citizens, the private institutions most especially banks and other businesses must put in the same energy to ensure that their availability is not injurious to public health.

Going against the earlier announcement of a Monday – Thursday lockdown, the Governor opened up the state for business on Monday as Friday had been declared public holiday for the famous workers day. The state was swamped. The banks even worse as it was ground for the possible spread of not just the Novel virus, but every other infectious disease that could be spread by such congestion.

The State must recognize that if we must alternate between 4 days in lockdown and 3 days relaxation then the 3 days must be working/business days to avoid unnecessary congestion at workplaces. Institutions must open up more of their branches to ensure that social distancing is duly observed and adhered to. In the instance where only 3 branches of banks are open in a metropolis with an estimated population of over 500,000 and just a day to conduct business, one would expect nothing short of CONGESTION.

While residents remain peaceful and law-abiding, a revolution against the standing order is in foresight. Complying with the regulations has come to be very hard for citizens with the 1, 4, and 6 passengers rules causing an exponential increase in transport fare. Now, remember, people, are not earning like they used to and are spending much more than they normally would.

With two of the three main factors usually associated with social revolutions present, I wonder when the people will revolt against a government that has so far acted in the interest of its people. Actions that continue to appear ineffective and accompanied by a large degree of economic uncertainty, a revolt is near, the Novel Revolution it will be called.

Ultimately, in this new age, the Government must not be about optics, celebrity, and press releases. It must be about performance and expertise.

Majority Hassan
+2348100403933
majorityhassan@gmail.com