By Carl Umegboro
FOLLOWING the outbreak of the dreadful coronavirus which is shaking the world, resulting to some radical policies, many countries of the world have directed their citizens to stay at home with some relief packages while the onerous fight against the epidemics rages on. As palliative measures, some organized countries particularly United States of America are paying their citizens some allowances to lessen the negative effects of the stay-at-home order which is commendable.
Unfortunately, criminals and disgruntled elements in Nigeria are utilizing the ugly scenes to swindle money from the poor citizens that are already impoverished by circumstances mostly beyond their control claiming that federal government is paying citizens.
Amidst the predicament, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar while pledging a donation of N50 million in support of some other donors, reportedly called on federal government to pay each family a sum of N10,000 as relief allowance. Of course, the appeal is a desideratum, nonetheless, as a former Vice President, Atiku ought to assist in spelling out the modalities to share the palliative funds to get to the appropriate quarters without being diverted as usual knowing that presently, there is no accurate records of citizens.
Again, a large number of citizens have not been recorded in the National Identification Number (NIN) scheme and also do not have bank accounts. This boils down that Nigeria government is still beating about the bush whilst political leaders are merely playing politics with the people. The former Vice president ought to explain, if not politically-motivated, how such fund will be disbursed if actually available in the treasury, in a society many do not have addresses and other necessary data which points to abysmal failure to the Ministry of Budget & Planning and other government agencies.
In other words, such appeal or suggestion from a statesman who has access to the people in authority should ideally be confidentially communicated to them rather than broadcasting it to the impoverished population when it is not feasible except to wipe up sentiments. Sadly, Nigeria will be 60 post-independece years on October 1, 2020.
Presently, there have been requests across numerous social media outlets particularly on group Whatsapp and Facebook pages from fraudsters demanding some important details including National Identification Number (NIN), Bank Verification Number (BVN) and bank account details from the public as prerequisites to receive government relief allowance of N8.500 or thereabout.
It must be carefully noted that any mistake of giving the hackers these important personal information they demand from you for any reasons will automatically launch them into your bank accounts for withdrawals from your hard-earned money, hence, must be resisted. Many have ended up meeting their fat bank accounts emptied to zero naira after revealing the personal details as these hooligans are heartless and callous.
It is therefore important to note that there is no iota of truth in the information. Federal government has not made such plans to pay citizens stipends over the coronavirus ‘stay-at-home’, though not a bad idea if considered. If federal government is to embark on such intervention measures, it has specific procedures and agencies to communicate to the public, and not through social media platforms with some private GSM numbers.
In a nutshell, federal government has not announced any relief allowance of any amount whatsoever, and citizens must be careful in releasing any important details to any unknown persons either through phone calls or social media platforms. A stitch in time they say, saves nine.
It is regrettable that hackers and their criminal conducts are becoming unchecked in the society despite numerous security agencies in the country. In numerous occasions, victims of the hackers had evidently filed complaints at the Police stations but nothing substantial came out of it which probably suggests that these hackers are well shielded by some people in high places. In other words, citizens should be extraordinarily careful as they are on their own.
Obviously, the personnel of the security agencies are on their own doing businesses at the expense of national security. The question to the Police is; how long will it take them to rid the society from activities of these hackers even when these disgruntled elements operate with active telephone numbers and therefore can be traced if willing?
In other words, the Police cannot escape culpability. It is bizarre for criminals to be swindling citizens every now and then while the Police fold their hands and stay less concerned. The GSM numbers these criminals use for their criminal operations are active even after complaints to the police stations are made which perceptively suggests that these hooligans are well shielded and protected. Do not fall a victim at this critical period.
Umegboro is a public affairs analyst and Associate, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (United Kingdom). 08023184542 – SMS only. Https:carlumegboro.com
Very enlightening info. Having been informed now, we can’t be victims. Enough of the activities of these scam.