Senate begs Buhari to address the nation Over Coronavirus pandemic

The Senate, on Wednesday, begged President Muhammadu Buhari, to address the nation on the situation of the Coronavirus pandemic in Nigeria.

The red chamber said if the president addressed Nigerians, citizens and government agencies would be more serious in adhering to the preventive measures.

It also asked the Federal Government to take more drastic measures to contain the virus’ spread.

The Senate said the preventive measures should include restrictions on large gathering, tighter border control, and stringent screening of those coming into the country.

It also asked the government and Nigerians to keep abreast of development related to the pandemic.

The Senate asked the government to close down all international airports in Nigeria except Abuja and Lagos as well as suspend the issuance of visa on arrival.

It urged the Federal Government to quarantine Nigerians returning from countries that had recorded over 1,000 cases.

It demanded a Special Intervention Fund to be set aside to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.

The resolutions followed a motion by Senator Danjuma Goje.

The Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, cautioned against being complacent.

He called for improved measures to be taken so as to prevent an uncontrollable outbreak of the disease in Nigeria.

He said, “Even if our environment is hostile to coronavirus, we need to be extremely careful. If we feel we are safe, it will lead us to complacency.”

Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in her contribution to the motion, said the outbreak of the disease should serve as a wake-up call for Nigerians to take personal hygiene seriously, adding that Nigerians should not go about in fear.

The Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Ajayi Boroffice, said because Nigeria’s borders are porous, foreign nationals now use the land borders as entry and exit route.