Kaduna residents react as El-Rufai slams another 30-day lockdown, cut salaries

Thirty days after residents of Kaduna State emerged from a 24-hour curfew imposed to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Governor Nasir El-Rufai slammed another 30-day lockdown even when the Federal Government had decided to begin the ease off lockdown restrictions in Lagos, FCT and Ogun States where the spread of the virus was originally a cause for concern.
By extending the curfew in Kaduna, El-Rufai provided a two-day window period; Wednesday and Friday to enable residents restock on food and other essential supplies, but also began the deduction of 25 per cent from the salaries of public servant while stressing that political office holders will contribute 50 per cent of their salaries after making an initial contribution of N500, 000 for the month of April.
The governor had said the deductions will be across board to ensure those who earn a living contribute to the palliative fund that will help provide welfare to the poor and other vulnerable citizens who are unable to earn a living during the lockdown. He however, explained that only civil servants who earn N67,000 and above will be affected in the deduction adding that it was to ensure that no public servant has less than N50,000 to manage monthly.
Many residents who spoke to Daily Trust Saturday on the new policies expressed mixed feelings with some describing the 30-day extension as harsh and calling for a review while others say El-Rufai means well for the people of the state and appealed to others to remain patient. Civil servants who have remained at home since the lockdown however, expressed displeasure that their salaries have been cut in the midst of several competing financial demands.