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COVID-19: Lagos husbands feel imprisoned, wives rejoice over stay-at-home order

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Mixed reactions from Lagos husbands and wives have trailed the government’s stay-at-home directive following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Newsmen report that Lagos State Government had last week directed closure of open markets, recreational centres, saloons and other public places with exception of those selling food, medicine and other life-saving essentials.

The government had earlier directed its workers on Grade Levels 12 and below to work from home except those on essential duties.

The Federal Government had equally directed its workers on similar grade levels to work from home before ordering a lockdown of Lagos, Ogun and  Abuja for 14 days with effect from Monday night.

Only a few categories of workers and companies are excepted from the lockdown.

All the directives are aimed at checking coronavirus spread.

Speaking with newsmen on the effects of the stay-at-home order, some wives in Lagos, expressed delight, saying that it had strengthened bonding between them and their spouses.

Conversely, some husbands expressed dissatisfaction at the development, which some of them described as house arrest.

They claimed that it rendered them redundant.

A resident of Okokomaiko, Mrs Nkiru Ekene, told newsmen that the order had positive and negative effects.

According to her, she is happy that the order has compelled her husband to spend time with her and their children, thereby strengthening the bond between the couple and among all the family members.

“The situation has afforded us an opportunity to monitor the kids, my caregivers and certain attitudes they exhibit in my absence.

“However, it has also weakened financial strength, since many husbands earn their incomes through daily sales,’’ she said.

Mrs Kosisochukwu Ndubuisi,  who lives in the same area, expressed joy that the situation had kept her husband beside her for the greater part the days.

“Yes, I will say that I am happy that my husband is always in the house.

“Before now, most men spend much time in drinking bars after work, instead of returning home to their families, but now, the situation changed.

“The only disadvantage is that my husband complains about finances, but it is well,” she said.

READ ALSO: COVID-19: Finance Ministry, CBN granted exemptions to allow skeletal operations in the financial industry

Also, a trader at the Alaba International Market, Ojo, Mrs Queen Austin, told newsmen that the order has enabled couples to interact better although the paucity of finances might become a setback.

“l now spend more time with my spouse and kids, but I think the time for the stay-at-home should not be long.

“Again, there is no more opportunity for him to drink with friends; now, if we need to drink,  we do it together,” she said.

Meanwhile, a Lagos businessman, Mr Bonny Chinwuba, expressed dissatisfaction with the sit-at-home order, claiming that it had crippled his finances and businesses.

” The situation is unbearable. I was supposed to conclude my business in Calabar before this order was made, and now, it has caused me a setback.

“I must confess, the order is not favourable at all to business. This order cannot even affect my relationship with my wife.

“Is she supposed to now carry me on her laps like a baby because we are at home together?

“So because we are now indoors, she should put me on her back or feed me with a spoon like a baby?

” In fact, the earlier businesses reopen, the better for us all,” he said.

Another businessman, Mr Paul Nnorom, described the stay-at-home order as “imprisonment”.

” l cannot lie to you, I am not happy with this matter.

“It now means every husband must learn to control his temper this period while at home.

“It also means there will be a lot of conception as many babies will be produced,” he said.

 

 

 

 

 

NAN

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