Why fake NGOs, CSOs, should not capitalize on coronavirus to extort from government, donor agencies- Lagos CLO chairman

 Comrade Kenny Martins Bakare, chairman, Lagos state chapter, Civil Liberties Organization, CLO, speaks with EMMANUEL UDOM, on why some fraudulent NGOs should not capitalize on the coronavirus that is rampaging our world, to extort money from government and donor agencies, the commendable moves of the FG that has so far arrested and tamed the virus in Nigeria and other related issues.

The trending issue now is all about coronavirus. What is your take on it.­?   

Yes, you are correct; the virus is the new disease in town. But, in all honestly, I know it will fade away.

Remember, in the past HIV, Ebola, Laser fever and other diseases and viruses ravaged our world. Today, these are being spoken in the past.

It has hit the world economy below the belt for now and our world leaders are not finding it funny. Nigeria is also not finding it funny here, you know.

Truth is that the economy in both developed and developing countries are indeed reacting to this corovirus issue.

Has the FG done enough to tame this rampaging virus?

Yes, the FG moved against the virus when it became a public issue and educated Nigerians on the dangers of the disease, which originated in China.

The other day, I was at the arrival hall of the international airport in Ikeja, Lagos and I observed that there were lots of health professionals, and other critical stakeholders on ground to monitor and tame the spread of the virus.

Also, go to markets, banks, public places, churches, seaports, sporting arena and other public spaces and you will see the evidences of the good job the government has done so far, here.

As an activist, it is my business to commend or condemn the actions and inactions of government at the local, state and federal levels.

In truth, our Nigerian government tamed the virus to an appreciable level.

But, don’t you think some NGOs, CSOs could want to capitalize on this coro-stuff to de-fraud the government and its agencies as well as foreign and local donor agencies

Sure, it is possible for some NGOs, CSOs, activists involved in health related missions to hide under the disguise of humanitarian services to collect money fraudulently from others.

You see, there are fake and genuine NGOs all over the place and this is the reason CLO is careful when it comes to partnerships or collaborations.

But, I plead with such NGOs and CSOs to have a rethink, knowing fully well that this is a global issue and the Bible says what we sow, individually and collectively, we shall reap.